Browns DT Mason Graham discloses unreported struggle from rookie year
· Yahoo Sports
The Cleveland Browns drafted defensive tackle Mason Graham with the fifth overall pick a year ago, and their immediate returns were promising.
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Even if the returns were not outrageously productive for Graham, he started every game for the Browns and was not a liability when on the field. However, during the first day of OTAs today in Berea, Graham spoke to the media and disclosed one of the biggest hinderances to his rookie season.
Graham revealed that he played through a broken rib at the end of the season. Again, Graham played every single game for the Browns, meaning he chose to suit up and play through it even though the Browns were not in contention to play for a division title or a playoff spot. This is admirable from the now second-year defensive tackle
Browns need a leap from Graham in 2026
Starting right away for the Browns as a rookie, Graham racked up .5 sacks and seven tackle for loss. He started alongside Maliek Collins, who was having a stellar season before suffering an injury that cut it short. Both players are back this year, as the Browns have continuity in their defensive tackle room in 2026.
While Graham put together a promising season as a rookie, the expectations are going to be higher for him this season. The Browns need more than just a single sack from their former top-five pick under new defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg. The defensive side of the ball is a strong point of the Browns' roster, and Graham has the potential to make it stronger.
Not playing through a broken rib should help.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns DT Mason Graham discloses unreported struggle from rookie year