Newsletter: Discussing the 'Read vs Attack' Adjustment for Mason Graham
Adjusting to the philosophical changes will dictate his early success.
During the latest BFB Podcast I spoke at length about the transition for Mason Graham going from Michigan to Cleveland. While there is no doubt he is talented, it will be an adjustment for him on play-style as noted by both his defensive line coach, Jacques Cesaire, and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. one approach to defensive tackle play at Michigan to a different approach the Browns will have him
Cesaire noted this last week during his time with the media. "But here's a kid that every day he got better. Every day he came out here, he's running to the ball as fast as he could. You see his rush game developing, you see him launching with hands. It's going to be hard obviously coming from a read scheme, going to an attack scheme. But he's done a really good job and he's great in the room, extremely smart individual, hardworking. So I can't wait to see him come out and play."
"It's been an adjustment for him," Schwartz said earlier this month at rookie minicamp. "We're a penetrating team that makes a big emphasis on defensive linemen being able to make the plays. So there has been some growing pains. He's pretty far ahead right now. When we get pads on, that'll be the next step. And then when you go live contact, that'll be a next step. So it'll be a process for him.”
So, what do they mean by this attacking or penetrating scheme and how does it differ from what the Browns aim to do with their group? Let’s dig into the details.
The difference between these two approaches to the position are not always easy to recognize but it boils down to how the defensive line handles those immediate moments right after the ball is snapped.
"Attack" generally refers to a more aggressive, penetrating approach, aiming to disrupt the backfield immediately. "Read" involves a more patient approach, where the defensive tackle observes offensive lineman movements and reacts accordingly, potentially stringing out plays or squeezing down on them.
During Graham’s first two seasons under Jessie Minter, Graham was in a more attack-based approach. Not quite as one-sided as what Schwartz prefers, but nonetheless there were more attack snaps than read requirements. In 2024, under Wink Martindale as the new defensive coordinator, it became heavier on the read side of the approach. You would see Graham lock into his gap’s blocker with eyes in the backfield ready to shed and make the play.
His best performance of the technique came at Ohio State where he was dominant in the extension, explosion, and read portions of the role to make plays down the line. You can see the slower approach off the line. Control the line of scrimmage and make plays after the scheme is dictated.
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