NFL Media draft analyst Lance Zierlein unveiled his first mock draft, projecting the San Francisco 49ers to strengthen their defensive front with the 11th overall pick. Zierlein has general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan selecting Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham in the first round.
Graham is the third defensive lineman and the first interior defender selected in Zierlein's mock draft. Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter goes to the Cleveland Browns at No. 2, while Georgia's Mykel Williams lands with the New Orleans Saints at No. 9.
"The 49ers pride themselves on maintaining a high-caliber defensive front, and cracks along the interior can be spackled with the addition of Michigan's high-energy DT," Zierlein wrote.
Graham (6-3, 320) led all collegiate interior defenders this past season with a 91.1 overall defensive grade and a 92.6 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus. The Michigan standout has been remarkably consistent over the past two seasons, earning defensive grades above 90.0 in both years.
He also made notable strides in tackling. After posting a 57.8 tackling grade with six missed tackles in 2023, Graham improved to a 78.0 grade in 2024, missing only two tackles.
Graham finished the 2024 season with 45 tackles, 3.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and a pass defensed. His career-high 34 pressures helped him earn an impressive 81.1 pass-rush grade.
The 49ers are expected to move on from defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, their marquee free-agent signing from 2023. Graham could be an ideal candidate to fill the void and help bolster the interior defensive line after Hargrave's departure.