The Cleveland Browns took a risk in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Rather than stay at the No. 2 overall pick and select two-way sensation Travis Hunter, they traded down.
And with the No. 5 pick, they took defensive tackle Mason Graham out of Michigan.
Cleveland did the deal in large part to also pick up the No. 36 pick (used on RB Quinshon Judkins) and Jacksonville’s 2026 first-rounder, which could wind up being used on a quarterback.
But the risk is this: If Graham isn’t good enough, and Hunter is a generational superstar, it’ll feel like a loss unless that next year first turns into a perennial Pro-Bowl QB.
Cleveland fans are a bit concerned after the first clips of Graham at rookie minicamp have emerged.
Some commenters have suggested he looks out of shape.
Others are wondering if Graham is even as good as advertised.
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An interior defensive lineman is rarely going to look astounding in on-field drills against no blockers, but that also makes it tougher to get excited about a player.
When the photo of Graham puking mid-practice emerged on Saturday, it was a serious vibe check for Cleveland fans.
Meanwhile, Hunter is down in Jacksonville catching passes as an athletic marvel at wide receiver who plans to begin his full defense on-boarding in the week ahead.
There’s even been a suggestion from down in Dolphins camp that their first-round DT from Michigan, Kenneth Grant, might be better than Graham.
It’s all so very early, so it’s not time to get into a full-blown panic yet.
But this was always the risk for the Browns. It’ll be a decade before we know for sure, but the early returns are just a tad worrisome.
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