The New England Patriots have drafted former Georgia Tech OL Shaq Mason in the fourth round (131st overall).
2014:Started all 14 games at right guard. 2013: Started all 13 games at right guard. Earned ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week two straight weeks for efforts against Duke (Sept. 14) and North Carolina (Sept. 21). 2012: Played in all 14 games, starting 12 times. 2011: Played in 11 games, and started Hyundai Sun Bowl when All-American Omoregie Uzzi sat out with injury. Middle name is Olajuwon
PRO DAY RESULTS
40-yard dash: 4.97 and 5.0 secondsÂ
Vertical jump: 32 inchesÂ
Broad jump: 9 feet, 2 inchesÂ
Three-cone drill: 7.53 secondsÂ
Bench press: 25 reps of 225 pounds
NFL.COM ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS:Â One of the most powerful drive blockers in the 2015 draft. Comes off ball with low pad level and wide base and routinely wins leverage game. Snaps hips under him at contact, standing defensive tackles up. Runs feet through contact, looking to bury his man. Salty and tough. Strength is his calling card. Moves well in space and climbs to second level under control. Able to sustain blocks for several yards downfield when his balance is right. Good knee bend in pass sets with ability to mirror. Keeps weight balanced throughout pass set with desired posture. Above-average hand fighter in pass pro and able to reset hands when they are knocked away.
WEAKNESSES:Â Short guard with short arms. Lets his hands get a little wide in pass sets, making his lack of length more distressing. Takes inconsistent angles to targets on zone runs, causing him to fall off of some blocks. Forward-leaner susceptible to balance issues at contact. Inconsistent with cut blocks, despite high number attempted at Georgia Tech. Rarely asked to sustain pass protection very long. Faced very few skilled interior pass rushers.
DRAFT PROJECTION:Â Round 4 or 5
BOTTOM LINE:Â Powerful player with an ability to drive defenders off their spot with leg drive and then torque and finish with strong hands and upper body. Lack of height and arm length could hurt his draft standing a little bit, but his elite power trait as run blocker and solid pass-protection technique make him a future starter at right guard in the NFL.
