Mason Graham at NT?

[Martin]

Graham is a bit bigger that the traditional NT Evero likes to use, but he might be a great fit for the traits Evero like at that position. I’m slight intrigued by the idea, and I think Graham might be there when we pick. 
 

Jalon Walker is probably my preferred choice, but if Graham is a fit at NT…

[AU-panther]

I hope we don't pass on a great player because of the "fit" of a coach and system that might not be here in the future.

 

[Martin]

11 hours ago, AU-panther said:

I hope we don't pass on a great player because of the "fit" of a coach and system that might not be here in the future.

 

100 % agree, he would be awesome as a 3-4 end, but I think he might work as a NT as well, so I was curious about other people see it. Just a very impactful player that I think might be there when we pick, but we’ll see.

[Basbear]

 

Maybe on 3rd and long or other long yardage downs. To me he's like a classic 3tech. I don't want him trying to take on double teams, I want him in 1 vs 1. His talents would be wasted at NT and I do not think he could hold this ground as NT.

 

[MHS831]

I am not a fan of drafting a NT in round 1. Your 3 Techs are your better athletes, in general, but there have been exceptions.

 A player that does fit the Evero mold for a NT is Walter Nolan of Ole Miss.  He is a hair under 300 and is projected to be effective at both the three tech and NT positions.  Some argue that playing him at NT is a waste of his talents, however, and a NT in round 1 is a reach, imo.  He is projected to be drafted late first.

Deone Walker out of Kentucky is a freakish athlete in that he can play every DL position and he is 6'6" and 345.  A bit raw, he has the skill set Evero covets, assuming his size is not a deal breaker. He has a second-round grade.

I have to think we try to sign a veteran or go with Shy again (hope not).  Either way, the NT they may covet (considering all other needs) is Omarr Norman-Lott, a player who could drop to the early 4th round. He is effective from the 0, 1, or 3 tech positions.  Has good first step quickness (4 sacks in 2024).  Needs to work on technique like all others, can get washed.  Smart player--high football IQ.

Finally, I would draft Tyleik Williams of Ohio State in round 2 if he were to somehow fall that far.  He is a great bull rusher and has freakish speed and power to play any DL position--from 0 to 5 tech.  He needs to work on some things, as they all do, but few have the ceiling Williams has.  I would interview him to see if he is a dawg and is willing to work hard to be the best because he has the tools to be great.

[cmichd08]

On 1/22/2025 at 8:10 AM, AU-panther said:

I hope we don't pass on a great player because of the "fit" of a coach and system that might not be here in the future.

 

Even if we go back to a 4-3 Graham could play tackle or end

[SOJA]

I think Graham is athletic enough to play multiple positions on the line, I'd rather have a true nose though and have graham anchor the other DE spot across 95

[Steves89]

He’s the top of my board and if he is there I hope we take him. He would be BPA at a position we desperately need and I think would make a huge impact on the quality of play we see from other players in the front seven. He and DB returning would make a subpar LB group look much much better. I’m not smart enough to know about his scheme fit, but I’m more interested in culture-fit. If he really isa “dawg” and fits into the culture, I’m confident he will make a big impact. 

[SOJA]

One thing I thought about is that when we drafted 95 a lot of the rhetoric was: never draft a DT top 10 unless they can rush the passer. Things have changed since then and interior pressure is so valuable now. However do we think Graham is the level of prospect Jalen Carter was, because if so he's a no brainer for me. 

[MHS831]

On 1/23/2025 at 5:20 PM, Basbear said:

 

Maybe on 3rd and long or other long yardage downs. To me he's like a classic 3tech. I don't want him trying to take on double teams, I want him in 1 vs 1. His talents would be wasted at NT and I do not think he could hold this ground as NT.

 

I agree -would not play him at NT---3 or 5 tech.

[Ronnie Bass]

He's one of the most versatile DL in the draft. I do think he's a bit more of a RDE opposite of Brown, but he could play the nose because of his athleticism. I think he gives you pass rush from the interior and is definitely the most gap sound/run stuffer in the draft. Carolina could not stop the run and that must be addressed first. They've got to nail down the front 7. In the 3-4 front he's perfect though, because that DE is going to be a more athletic DT, he can play the 3 if they slide into a eagle front, and then is a perfect 4 technique. I think hes far better than A'shawn, and would be lightyears ahead of Tuttle who just tries to stalemate guys. The zero really needs to be a wardaddy and be more finesse than most think because they are 2 gapping. He's #2 for me if Abdul is gone which is very likely. 

[Jon Snow]

If we can't get Graham I hope we have a shot at Walker from UK. They had to double and triple team him at the senior bowl practice today.  Dude is a beast.