Mason Graham Responds to Shedeur Sanders Buzz at Browns Minicamp

The Cleveland Browns drafted seven players in the 2025 NFL Draft, including high-profile names like Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Mason Graham.

Mason Graham Responds to Shedeur Sanders Buzz at Browns Minicamp

Mason Graham, Shedeur Sanders (Images via Dawgs By Nature/The Coloradan)

Cleveland Browns’ new defensive tackle Mason Graham was selected as the fifth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Graham, although a higher-ranked pick, has gone under the limelight, no thanks to Dillon Gabriel and especially Shedeur Sanders.

Sanders, son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, drew cameras with his celebrity presence and brand persona. Shedeur Sanders, who played together with two-way star Travis Hunter at the Colorado Buffaloes, had no image drop despite his draft slide.

Graham, a standout defensive tackle from Michigan, quietly prepared while avoiding the media frenzy. Despite being a top draft pick, his spotlight was significantly dimmed by Sanders’ off-field narrative.

Throughout minicamp sessions, Graham has continued working on fundamental drills away from the main field. The coverage remains focused on Sanders’ every snap, overshadowing Graham’s technical work with line coach Jacques Cesaire.

His shift from Michigan’s lateral defensive scheme to the Cleveland Browns’ attack-style defense required immediate adaptation. Still, he (seems to be) adjusting quickly, applying coaching feedback efficiently during non-contact drills.

Despite the lack of attention, Graham exhibited no frustration toward Sanders or the surrounding narrative. He recognized the hype trailing Sanders due to his lineage and college stardom.

That doesn’t really matter to me. I come to play football. If the media’s on me, then they’re on me. I’m just going to do my job at the end of the day.

Mason Graham said on Friday before practice (H/T: www.cleveland.com)

He also added that Sanders “seems like a good dude” and that their interactions were solely about football. His responses demonstrated professionalism, avoiding distractions while maintaining a team-first mindset.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski had praised the value of individual drills and emphasized Graham’s development phase. Graham acknowledged that the Browns’ attack-front defense would “unleash” new aspects of his game. “Coach Jacques always talks about taking the handcuffs off,” Graham noted, referring to a more aggressive play style.

The Browns, who called him a DNA match, expected him to eventually play a major role alongside veteran Myles Garrett. Graham, in return, had committed to learning from Garrett’s experience.

Mason Graham might be happy about less media attention

Rookie defensive tackle Mason Graham made an unintentional splash during the Cleveland Browns’ minicamp Saturday by vomiting through his facemask in the middle of practice.

Michigan DT Mason Graham
Michigan DT Mason Graham (Image via Sports Illustrated)

The incident occurred during 11-on-11 drills in Berea, Ohio, where the fifth overall pick from last month’s NFL Draft was pushing through a rigorous session. Graham had just lined up when his stomach gave out dramatically, a moment captured by nearby photographers.

Stefanski admitted that it was gross with a chuckle post-practice.

I think he ate too much. The cooking in the kitchen is too good. A few less wings next time.

Kevin Stefanski said

Despite the messy moment, Graham didn’t miss a beat. After cleaning off his helmet, he returned to the field and finished the drills. He later apologized to teammates on the offensive line who narrowly avoided stepping in the mess.

While vomiting on the field might sound alarming to outsiders, spring practices often push players’ physical limits as they transition from offseason mode. Still, Stefanski emphasized that the coaching staff is balancing intensity with caution.

The physical aspect of the drills and training is often associated with physical exhaustion due to the mental stress. Philadelphia Eagles Mekhi Becton was spotted more than once last year during a high temperature. Rashee Rice, a Kansas City Chiefs player, also vomited during his first round of the training period in 2023.

Also Read: Shedeur Sanders Makes Candid Admission About His Future in NFL, Compares Himself to Tom Brady