CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns' 2025 rookie minicamp took an unexpected turn when first-round pick Mason Graham, a defensive tackle from Michigan, collapsed mid-drill during a sweltering practice session. Video of the No. 5 overall draft selection vomiting into his helmet under 75-degree sunshine sparked immediate concern about both player conditioning and front office decision-making.

Heat Becomes the Real Opponent
While NFL training camps are notoriously demanding, Graham's visible distress during routine blocking drills raised alarms. The 315-pound lineman required assistance from trainers after failing to complete the drill, later seen rinsing his helmet on the sideline. Critics quickly noted Graham's documented struggles with heat regulation during his Michigan career, including a 2024 game where he required IV fluids.

"Selecting a player with known heat sensitivity in Ohio's climate is a gamble," said former Browns scout Mark Donovan, now with NFL Network. "This wasn't some seventh-round flyer — they burned a top-five pick."

Head coach Kevin Stefanski defended the organization's choice: "Rookie camp separates those who want it from those who don't. Mason's pushing through adversity exactly like we need him to." The incident comes as Cleveland attempts to rebuild a defense that recorded a league-worst 19 sacks last season.

Quarterback Controv ersy Looms Large
Graham's struggles overshadowed a brewing quarterback competition. The Browns faced backlash for passing on Cam Ward, the draft's consensus top QB prospect who went to Seattle at No. 6. Instead, Cleveland banked on late-round surprises:

• Shedeur Sanders (Round 5) : The Colorado product silenced early criticism about his unorthodox throwing motion by completing 78% of passes in 11-on-11 drills. His "prove-it" mentality — including arriving 90 minutes early for film sessions — draws direct comparisons to mentor Tom Brady's work ethic.

• Dillon Gabriel (Round 3) : The Oklahoma transfer showcased veteran-level poise, connecting on multiple deep throws during red zone simulations. When asked about competing with Sanders, Gabriel stated: "We're both here to support Joe [Flacco]. This isn't Hard Knocks — we're building real chemistry."

Injury Cloud Hangs Over Season Plans
With Deshaun Watson's Achilles rehab timeline uncertain, Flacco remains the presumed Week 1 starter. However, insiders confirm the 39-year-old's mentorship role is equally crucial. "Joe's teaching these kids how to study NFL defenses," offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey revealed. "That's priceless for raw talents like Shedeur."

As minicamp concludes, Cleveland faces dual challenges: ensuring Graham's conditioning matches his $23 million rookie contract, while nurturing a QB room that could define the franchise's future. For a team that hasn't won a playoff game since 2020, patience appears thinner than Ohio's late-spring cloud cover.