Defensive tackle Mason Graham, a consensus All-American and a finalist for the Outland Award and Nagurski Trophy, not surprisingly was the first former Michigan player to be selected in the NFL draft.

Graham was selected fifth overall by the Cleveland Browns on Thursday. He had been projected to be a top first-round selection by most draft analysts because of his block destruction, athleticism and leverage. He was a two-time All-Big Ten selection and was the Defensive MVP of the Rose Bowl national semifinal two seasons ago.

“He’s just a real aggressive player who has got instincts and can dominate the game against the run, and I think has more to offer as a pass rusher,” NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah said during a draft conference call.

ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper had Mason No. 3 on his big board.

During the NFL combine, Graham told reporters there's no mystery surrounding him.

“Off the field, I’m all about business, no one’s really concerned about that,” Graham said. “But I’m not a mysterious guy. You don’t need to look deep into me to find out about me. Everything’s out there.”

The 6-foot-3 Graham took some heat during the combine because he was considered underweight at 296 pounds, much less than the 320 pounds he was listed at Michigan.

“I don’t have to defend anything with Mason, because his tape defends what Mason can do,” Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, a 20-year NFL coaching veteran, told reporters last month when asked about the weight reports.

As for his tape, Graham suggested that if teams needed to watch one game, it was the last of his career.

“I feel like just roll out that Ohio State film,” Graham said, referring to Michigan’s 13-10 upset at Ohio Stadium in November. “That’s all you need to see, really.”

Graham, along with fellow defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, led the defense in holding Ohio State’s prolific offense to 252 yards, including 77 yards rushing.

"I feel like I affect every snap, run or pass," Graham said. "I feel like a dominant player, one of the most dominant players in this class."

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