Mason Graham had a solid rookie season for the Cleveland Browns in 2025, but many people were quick to argue that he didn’t live up to the expectations that came with being selected fifth overall.
After three games of the 2026 season, it’s safe to say that narrative has already been put to bed.
Graham has been the Browns’ best player to start the season, and his production on the defensive line has helped Cleveland play like a top defensive unit in Weeks 2 and 3. That was especially on display on Sunday in Cleveland’s 21-18 win over the Carolina Panthers.
The second-year defensive tackle dominated the game with seven total tackles, three for a loss, and two sacks. Now, just three games into his second season, Browns fans are convinced that Graham is on his way to being one of the NFL's elite defensive tackles.
Browns’ Mason Graham is playing like an elite defensive tackle to start the season
Overall, Cleveland’s defense played a really good game against a Panthers offense that entered the game hot. The Browns held Carolina to four field goals and just one touchdown, and they did that by stopping the run and putting pressure on Panthers quarterback Bryce Young. Carolina only rushed for 98 yards, and Young was sacked three times.
Graham was at the center of both, stuffing the run from his defensive tackle position, and collapsing the pocket while leading the team with two sacks. It was a continuation of everything Graham has been doing to start the season.
In Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the defensive tackle had five tackles, two tackles for a loss, and one sack. Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2, Graham only had three tackles, but he added one sack. Now, after his performance on Sunday, he has a sack in every game this season, and he looks like a player that was a top-five overall pick.
The most exciting thing is that Graham is still just getting started. While he has been playing great to start the year, he’s still only three games into his second season. Graham should only continue to get better as the season progresses, and that means Cleveland will have another elite defensive lineman. With all the other talented defenders on the roster, the Browns will be set up to have a good defense for years to come.
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