What happened: Cleveland Browns defensive end Jared Verse discussed Mason Graham's start to the 2026 regular season. The second-year defensive tackle has 4 sacks in Cleveland's first 3 games.
Why it matters: Graham totaled 49 tackles with 0.5 sacks in 17 games in 2025, making the early jump a material change in interior production. Pairing that push with Verse, who posted 58 tackles with 7.5 sacks in 17 games in 2025 with the Rams, alters front-four balance. The same Mason Graham who wore a walking boot at mandatory minicamp is now producing to open the schedule.
By the numbers: Mason Graham in 2026: 4 sacks in 3 games; in 2025: 49 tackles, 0.5 sacks in 17 games. Jared Verse in 2025: 58 tackles, 7.5 sacks in 17 games. Draft pedigree: Graham 5th overall in 2025; Verse 19th overall in 2024.
What to watch: Watch whether Graham sustains the pace as Cleveland moves past the first three weeks of the regular season.