Shaq Mason NFL Draft 2015: Scouting Report, Grade for Patriots Rookie

STRENGTHS

A right guard in college, Shaq Mason has the size, instincts and short-area power to be a very good NFL center.

Mason attacks coming off the line of scrimmage and is a bulldozer when he latches onto a defender. He keeps his pads low and hands strong and churns his feet and hips through the defender to be an impressive drive-blocker.

Mason is a finisher who loves to dump defenders post-block. He’s balanced, controlled and patient as a blocker in both the run and pass games. Mason doesn’t lunge or lean at a consistent level, which is impressive since most short-armed blockers try to cheat in this area.

He can play guard or center at the NFL level and will surprise people with his power.

WEAKNESSES

A combine snub, it’s tough to get a read on how the NFL views Mason. He’s short with short arms and will struggle to reach on the outside in pass protection. If a pass-rusher gets leverage and is able to bend him backward, he can’t recover due to his shorter arms.

Mason isn’t as experienced as most linemen in the passing game thanks to Georgia Tech’s offense, and because of that, he can be inconsistent with his hand placement (he almost hugs defenders at times) and wasn’t asked to hold his spot long before the ball came out.

PRO COMPARISON: Rodney Hudson, Oakland Raiders

Mason doesn’t have ideal NFL size, but neither did Rodney Hudson, who became a top-tier player at the center position in Kansas City.

FINAL GRADE: 5.30/9.00 (Quality Backup)