With a week and some change separating the New York Jets from drafting their next wave of rookies, rumors and reports are running rampant. The Jets have had success in the NFL Draft over the past few seasons, especially over the first few rounds, with standout selections such as Sauce Gardner, Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, Jermain Johnson, Quinine Williams, and Olu Fashanu. However, it’s a new regime heading the New York Jets, with green head coach Aaron Glenn and new general manager Darren mousey leading the charge, and they have the No. 7 overall pick holstered, barring a trade of their first round selection. The Jets have met with a number of players leading up to the draft, and NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport revealed some behind the scenes maneuvering by the Jets on Monday, reporting that the team is meeting with Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham on Tuesday, also revealing that they spent a “considerable amount of time” with the Wolverine throughout the draft process so far. “Michigan DL Mason Graham, one of this Draft’s elite prospects, is visiting the Jets tomorrow, source said,” Rapoport posted on X. “NYJ has spent a considerable amount of time with Graham, including formal interview at the Combine, dinner the night before his Pro Day and now the Top 30 visit.” Graham is ranked by ESPN as the No. 3 overall prospect in the class behind Penn State’s Abdul Carter and Colorado’s Travis Hunter, and ahead of Miami’s Cam Ward, who is expected to be the No. 1 overall selection. He is one of 3 targets that the Jets seem focused on, as “leaks” have also tied New York to Armand Membou (Missouri) and tight end Tyler Warren
But Graham is the highest-ranked guy. “Graham is an outstanding run defender who led Michigan’s defensive linemen with 45 tackles in 2024. He stacks blockers, locates the ball and disengages in time to make plays. He slips blocks and gets into gaps. Graham is stout for his size, fights to hold his ground when getting double-teamed and doesn’t split the blockers. He shoots his hands, drives blockers back and gets off blocks late. He wins with power rushing off the edge. He’s effective picking defenders and looping around running line stunts. Graham reads the quarterback well and gets his hands up in passing lanes,” wrote ESPN’s Steve Muench.