The Cleveland Browns are wrapping up their second week of OTAs, and all of the coordinators, including Jim Schwartz, stepped up to the podium to speak. Among many topics, Schwartz was asked about the progress of rookie defensive tackle Mason Graham.

Selected with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, expectations are high for Graham. He is already penciled in with the first-team defensive tackles, as Myles Garrett has taken him under his wing as well. So, how is Graham doing? Schwartz was asked about the responsibility change Graham is going through from Michigan to Cleveland and how he is handling that learning curve.

Speaking on his newest defensive tackle, here is what Schwartz had to say on the Michigan man (via the Browns’ transcripts):

“Yeah, it’s been an adjustment for him just because the style of play, reading blocks and like you said, protecting linebackers and things like that. You know, that’s not what we do. 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.”

Schwartz has a plan for his young defensive tackle. He will have the chance to pair him with second rounder Mike Hall Jr. when he gets back from an offseason knee surgery as well. While the Browns may not be looking to define success in the win column this season in a sort of rebuilding year, establishing a young foundation with a player like Graham will go a long way toward their future success.

This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns DC Jim Schwartz has big praise for rookie DT Mason Graham