The 2024 season was one filled with disappointments for the New Orleans Saints. Finishing the year 5-12, and last in the NFC South, the entire season was a disappointment for the Saints. There were also many low points for the team throughout the year.
One of the most disheartening developments for New Orleans this past season was the fall off of the defense. In year’s past, the Saints defense has performed well even when the team has struggled. This year, however, the defense was also bad.
New Orleans has a chance to change that this offseason by bringing in some new talent. That could include Mason Graham, who the Saints have the chance to select with the ninth-overall pick.
Saints could select Mason Graham with the No. 9 pick
Accolades: Unanimous All-American, 2023 National Champion,
2024 stats: 548 snaps, 3.5 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, 34 pressures
Size: 6’3”, 320 LBS
Projection: 1st round
Mason Graham is a complete prospect who can impact the game on all three downs. He’s capable of providing consistent pressure on the quarterback as well as mitigating the opposing rushing attack. He is a compelling prospect for any team needing help on the defensive line.
Graham specializes at providing pressure on the quarterback from the interior. His 34 pressures rank him top-10 in the FBS among defensive tackles. He has a rare mix of athleticism and power that he implements to beat offensive lineman. Graham averaged just under three pressures per game, which is rare among defensive tackles.
He is a polished pass rusher due to his usage of pass-rush moves. There is still room to grow, but he is about as developed as a prospect can be. He successfully uses his hands to throw the opposing lineman away from him, allowing him an uncontested rush to the quarterback. Graham knows how to use leverage to bully the opposition, plowing them back into the quarterback.
It is rare to see an offensive lineman move Graham in the run game. He is a brick wall, hardly allowing anything in the interior. Even on a double team, he uses leverage to stand his ground. If a running back does try to run at him, all it takes is one arm to bring them to the ground.
Graham has an innate ability to split gaps on outside zones, destroying the play. His athleticism and speed allow him to beat the lineman immediately. This is where a majority of his tackles for loss come from. Graham’s prowess in the run game permits him to be on the field in any situation.
The main issue for Graham as a prospect is his stature. He’s on the smaller side for most teams' ideal interior defenders. However, it’s not enough of a problem to make a meaningful difference in his draft stock.
Mason Graham’s ability to be a three-down player gives him a high floor. His productivity in rushing the passer and ability to stop the run game makes him an intriguing prospect for any team. Pairing him and Bryan Bresee would create a dynamic tandem in New Orleans for the foreseeable future.