Michigan Wolverines star defensive lineman Mason Graham has officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft.
“We expect Mason to get drafted in the top five picks,” his agent Drew Rosenhaus said.
Graham has more than lived up to the hype in Ann Arbor and was a key part of Michigan’s 2023 national championship team.
Now, the Wolverines will be looking to replace Graham’s production on the defensive line going forward.
According to reports, head coach Sherrone Moore and company have their eye on one player in particular in the transfer portal: Kentucky defensive lineman Keeshawn Silver.
Silver, a former five-star recruit could provide an immediate boost for Michigan if they’re able to land him.
According to a report from On3, Silver has trimmed his list of potential destinations to Michigan, Florida, Miami, and USC.
Silver’s addition would address a significant need for Michigan.
Despite their disappointing overall record, the Wolverines boasted one of the nation’s best defensive lines this past season, with Graham, Kenneth Grant, Josiah Stewart, and Derrick Moore leading the charge.
With several of those players likely moving on, Silver could fill a major void.
Silver began his college career at North Carolina as a highly touted prospect in the 2021 recruiting class.
Rated as the No. 28 overall player and No. 6 defensive lineman by 247Sports, Silver was praised for his size, athleticism, and versatility.
After a quiet freshman season, he transferred to Kentucky, where he began to deliver on his potential.
In his two seasons with the Wildcats, Silver showed consistent growth. In 2023, he recorded 17 tackles, followed by 26 tackles and one sack in 2024.
Despite Kentucky’s struggles – finishing 4-8 this season – Silver’s development stood out, making him an attractive option for programs looking to strengthen their defensive fronts.
If Michigan lands Silver, they’d be securing a player whose physical tools and upside align with their needs.
Gabe Brooks of 247Sports offered high praise for Silver during his recruitment.
“Big-framed defensive lineman with look of an edge player and frame potential/strength that could fit multiple roles in varying schemes,” Brooks said of Silver.
“At least 6-foot-5 with a wingspan verified at 7-foot-1 earlier in high school career. Very encouraging testing as early as sophomore year with a sub-5.0 40 and 4.6 short shuttle. Verified athleticism shows in get-off quickness and consistency.
“Good athletic background that includes basketball. Impressive build that will only get larger in a college weight-training program. Natural athleticism flashes in playmaking ability at the point of attack.”
Silver’s versatility and motor have made him a standout prospect.
“Bends well for a player of his size and displays eyebrow-raising pursuit ability,” the report continued. “Heavy-handed and punchy both ways as a playmaking D-lineman and block-first in-line tight end. Overwhelms high school competition with size-strength-athleticism combination.
“Plays with a general violence fueled by surprising suddenness. Fall senior season wiped out by coronavirus pandemic. Good but not great production as a junior. Can continue to expand move set and pass-rushing nuance but owns elite physical tools and the motor to accentuate them.
“Projects as a multi-year high-major starter with long-term early-round NFL Draft ceiling.”
With the Wolverines losing multiple starters on the defensive line, Silver’s blend of size, speed, and experience could be exactly what Michigan needs to get back on track going forward.
What are your thoughts on Silver as a player?
Do you think Michigan will ultimately land him???
