Brandon Graham

Graham is primed to likely make the transition from down lineman at Michigan to a stand-up linebacker role in the NFL. He's willing to do whatever it takes to earn playing time as proven when, as a freshman, he volunteered to slide inside to play defensive tackle when that position was thinned by injuries. He also volunteered to join the kick coverage unit as a senior, trying to add to his resume for NFL teams. All he did was block two punts and recover another one for a touchdown in 2009. There are not too many 6-foot-1 defensive ends making regular visits to the Pro Bowl in the NFL. He sees the success that a former Wolverine has had since moving to linebacker -- LaMarr Woodley, a standout linebacker who replaced another former college defensive end in Pittsburgh's lineup, Joey Porter. Woodley has posted 25 sacks during his last two seasons. Graham could also point to Elvis Dumervil, a college defensive end from Louisville, who had a breakout season for the Broncos in 2009. Dumervill led the NFL in sacks (17) once he made the move, but was previously considered nothing more than a journeyman defensive end earlier in his pro career. "I look at myself as the next one," Graham said of Dumervil. "He's 6-1, he's small. A lot of people didn't think he could do it. I believe whoever gets me is going to love me." Graham said his transition to linebacker should be smooth; he played that position in high school. Even if he remains at defensive end, he shouldn't be underestimated. Michigan running back Brandon Minor compares his teammate to a certain Colts defensive end who measures exactly the same: 6-1, 268. "He'll be like a faster Dwight Freeney." At a school with a tremendous history for producing elite talent, Graham was the first Michigan defensive player to ever be voted Most Valuable Player twice (2008, 2009). The previous two-time MVPs are running back Mike Hart (2006, '07), wide receiver Anthony Carter (1980, '82), running back Ron Johnson (1968, '69), running back Tom Harmon (1939, '40) and guard Ralph Heikkinen (1937, '38). In recognition of his stellar performance during a sluggish 5-7 season by the Wolverines, he shared 2009 Chicago Tribune Silver Football as the Big Ten Conference's Most Valuable Player with Penn State quarterback Daryll Clark. Graham closed out his career ranked second in school history in forced fumbles (8), evident that he not only gets to the quarterback or running back, but makes things happen when he does. His 29.5 quarterback sacks and 56.0 tackles behind the line of scrimmage also rank second in school annals. In 46 games at Michigan, 40.56 percent of his tackles were behind the line of scrimmage. Graham attended Crockett Vocation Technical High School, where he led the school to its first Detroit Public School League title as a junior and a semifinal appearance in the Division IV playoffs. The four-year starter earned Parade, EA Sports and USA Today All-American first-team honors as a senior. He was rated the 14th-best player in the nation by USA Today and Prep Football Report. He was selected Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year and was a member of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's National Top 25 squad. The Detroit News rated Graham the state's best blue chip prospect in 2005, as the Detroit Free Press rated him second in the Midwest region. He received a five-star prospect rating from Prep Football Report and Rivals.com, while Prep Star ranked him third among the nation's linebackers. He also earned Detroit News first-team All-Metro and first-team Class B All-State honors as a junior. Graham recorded 307 tackles, including 112 for loss and 56 sacks during his career. He also collected 16 fumble recoveries, forced six more and grabbed two interceptions in four years at Crockett. He averaged more than 40 yards per attempt as a punter. Even though he was limited to seven games of action as a senior due to injury, he totaled 98 tackles, 47 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, two interceptions and forced six fumbles. As a junior, Graham posted 20 sacks and 10 fumble recoveries. He became the first player from the state of Michigan to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Elected captain of the East squad for the U.S. Army game, he collected four tackles and one blocked field goal. In addition to football, Graham participated in basketball while also throwing the shot put in track, logging a career-best toss of 50-0. He also ran a 10.9 in the 100 meters along with a 23.5 in the 200. Graham appeared in 10 games during the 2005 season for Michigan. He saw time at defensive end vs. Vanderbilt, but then moved inside to shore up depth issues at tackle and nose guard. He finished the year with just three tackles, but assisted on a sack and caused one fumble. As a sophomore, Graham played in 13 games, starting five contests at right defensive end. His three forced fumbles that season tied for fourth on the school season-record list. He collected 25 tackles (13 solo), as a part-time starter and led the team and ranked seventh in the Big Ten Conference with 8.5 sacks. He also came up with two fumble recoveries, earning a spot on the Ted Hendricks Award Watch List (nation's top defensive end). In 2008, Graham took over left defensive end duties, starting 11 games. The All-American honorable mention and All-Big Ten second-team pick was bothered at midseason by a leg infection, but still went on to rank second in the conference and 11th in the nation with 10 sacks, the eighth-best total in team annals. He led the league and finished second nationally with 20 stops behind the line of scrimmage, as he produced 46 tackles (29 solo) and caused two fumbles. As a senior, Graham was an All-American and All-Big Ten selection, in addition to being a finalist for the Ted Hendricks Award. He registered 10.5 sacks with 64 tackles (42 solo) and caused two fumbles. He blocked two punts and returned another blocked kick for a touchdown. He also led the NCAA with 26.0 stops for loss, tying for second on the school season-record chart.

strength

Capable of using his lack of height to his advantage, maintaining leverage to hold his ground on the edge. Stacks the tight end and disrupts plays when one-on-one. Can be engulfed by bigger tackles, losing sight of the ball.

explosion

Good first step off the ball and pounds his man's jersey on contact when in pure pass-rush mode. Has some pop off the snap when looking for the run, and is able to stand his ground against much bigger linemen. Brings full effort from the first quarter to the fourth, and smells weakness in his opponent. Closes quickly and explodes into the quarterback on a sack.

tackling

Above-average arm length allows him to disengage and wrap on running plays to his side, as well as chase down ballcarriers from behind. Does not meet his feet going through trash, making it hard for him to make the tackle when crashing down inside. Stays square and low in space, breaking down to tackle the ballcarrier.

intangibles

Stepped up his role as a senior from leading by example and becoming a vocal leader who encourages and gets after teammates. Missed two games in 2008 with leg infection. Charged with disorderly conduct in July 2008 for playing music too loud, and failed to show up for trial. Charges were eventually dismissed, and a bench warrant was terminated.

run defense

Can punch the tackle to disengage or maintain the angle to force the action inside when run plays are coming his way. Occasionally gets skinny to penetrate on inside runs. Stays home to contain, watch for bootlegs and stop reverses. Must be more consistent using his hands to defeat cut blocks, although he can still make the tackle after a cut as he recovers fairly well. Has a good motor, works hard to get down the line on runs away from him. Lacks elite speed to chase down NFL backs consistently.

pass rush

Relentless rusher able to pressure the quarterback lining up on the strong or weak side. Lines up at five-technique in some passing situations. Uses his strength, balance and lack of height to get under shoulder pads of tackle. Strong, violent hands to beat his man straight-out or disengage. Lacks a consistent counter move. Has an inside spin move but rarely shows it. Despite his stout build, Graham drops into zone coverage easily and shows some fluidity in space. Backpedal is slow, as expected, but he will still get a shot as a linebacker for a 3-4 team. Lines up wide so he can turn the corner against slower tackles, will struggle to do so against NFL tackles.

2008: A lingering midseason leg infection eventually forced Graham to sit out the Toledo game (10/15).

Campus: 4.71 in the 40-yard dash

1.61 10-yard dash

2.72 20-yard dash

4.63 20-yard shuttle

7.21 three-cone drill

32-inch vertical jump

9'6" broad jump

Bench pressed 225 pounds 31 times

32 1/4-inch arm length

9 7/8-inch hands.

Attended Crockett Vocation Technical (Detroit, Mich.) High School, playing football for head coach Ron Oden

Led the school to its first Detroit Public School League title as a junior and a semi-final appearance in the Division IV playoffs

The four-year starter earned Parade, EA Sports and USA Today All-American first-team honors as a senior

Rated the 14th-best player in the nation by USA Today and Prep Football Report

Was selected Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year and was a member of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's National Top 25 squad

The Detroit News rated Graham the state's best blue chip prospect in 2005, as the Detroit Free Press rated him second in the Midwest region

Received a five-star prospect rating from Prep Football Report and Rivals.com, while Prep Star ranked him third among the nation's linebackers

Also earned Detroit News first-team All-Metro and first-team Class B All-State honors as a junior

Recorded 307 tackles, including 112 for loss and 56 sacks during his career

Collected 16 fumble recoveries, forced six more and grabbed two interceptions in four years at Crockett

Averaged more than 40 yards per attempt as a punter

Even though he was limited to seven games of action as a senior due to injury, he totaled 98 tackles, 47 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, two interceptions and forced six fumbles

As a junior, Graham posted 20 sacks and 10 fumble recoveries

Became the first player from the state of Michigan to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl

Elected captain of the East squad for the U.S. Army game, he collected four tackles and one blocked field goal

Lettered in basketball while also throwing the shot put in track, logging a career-best toss of 50-0

Also ran a 10.9 in the 100 meters along with a 23.5 in the 200.

General Studies major, enrolled in the Division of Kinesiology

Born Brandon Lee Graham on 4/03/88 in Detroit, Michigan.