In his recent mock draft for ESPN, Peter Schrager had Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham—widely regarded as the best interior defender in this draft class—slipping out of the top 10. That slide made him available to the San Francisco 49ers at No. 11. However, Schrager projected the 49ers to pass on Graham, who lands with the Miami Dolphins two picks later. In Schrager's scenario, San Francisco opts for Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen.
ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller sees things playing out differently. In his final mock draft, Miller has the Carolina Panthers selecting Nolen at No. 8, leaving Graham available for the 49ers at No. 11. Unlike Schrager, Miller doesn't have San Francisco passing on the Michigan standout. Instead, he projects Graham as the 49ers' first-round pick.
"The 49ers were very active bringing in offensive tackles for predraft visits," Miller wrote. "According to team sources, they hosted Banks, Josh Simmons (Ohio State) and Josh Conerly Jr. (Oregon), but with Banks off the board they would pivot to a 'best player available' approach versus drafting right tackle Armand Membou (Missouri)."
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, general manager John Lynch acknowledged that some teams favor a best-player-available philosophy during the draft. However, he admits that, at some point, you have to address your roster needs, emphasizing that a balance is necessary.
"But I do know that, especially in the first round, we have a relatively high pick, [and] you can't go wrong picking a quality player," Lynch said. "And if that isn't a glaring need on your team, that's all right because this player is going to end up playing for you, and contributing, and hopefully, moving the needle."
Graham (6-4, 296) would certainly qualify. His availability at No. 11 could allow the 49ers to fill a key need while simultaneously landing one of the draft's top talents.
The 49ers' defensive line was hit hard during free agency, with several key contributors departing. It's widely believed the team's plan has always been to replenish the front with young, affordable talent through the draft.
Over three seasons at Michigan, Graham racked up 108 tackles (18 for a loss), nine sacks, three passes defensed, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery, per Sports Reference.
He posted impressive Pro Football Focus grades in 2024, earning career-best marks of 91.1 overall and 92.6 against the run. Additionally, his 34 total pressures earned him a respectable 81.1 pass-rush grade.
Miller recently ranked Graham as his No. 4 overall prospect and the top defensive tackle in the class.
"Graham is my favorite trench player to watch," Miller wrote. "He's a game-wrecker. Playing primarily as a 3-technique, he had 26 total pressures -- good for a pressure rate of 8.2% -- and 3.5 sacks. His disruption can't be captured with stats alone, though. Graham's energy post-snap is nonstop, and he combines quickness with angry hands and a frenetic motor.
"There were questions when he weighed in at 296 pounds at the combine after being listed at 320 during the season, but there are no concerns with his tape and his NFL projection. He's a Day 1 starter with a high rookie-impact grade."
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