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NFL Draft: Revisiting and Grading the New England Patriots 2015 NFL Draft Picks

By Hal Bent

May 27, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft (left) and president Jonathan Kraft (right) pose with first-round draft choice defensive lineman Malcom Brown at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
May 27, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft (left) and president Jonathan Kraft (right) pose with first-round draft choice defensive lineman Malcom Brown at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports /
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4th Round (131st Overall) – Shaq Mason (OL, Georgia Tech)

Grade: B+

One Liner: Impressive athleticism makes Mason a potential steal.

New England Patriots NFL Draft
Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Making as second dip into a deep interior offensive line class, the Patriots snagged center Shaq Mason at pick #131 overall. Mason had some injury issues as a rookie, but played a66% of the offensive snaps. Mason came into the NFL with a reputation as a run blocker who hardly was called upon in the passing game while starting three years at Georgia Tech and their triple-option offense.

Mason is just six-foot-one and 300 pounds, but he is sneaky strong and knows how to generate leverage. Bill Belichick raved about the rookie’s impressive agility and athleticism at guard. He played left guard during the season until flipping to right guard for the playoffs. He looks to be the favorite at right guard ahead of fellow second year guard Tre Jackson while leaving Josh Kline to battle newcomer Jonathan Cooper for the left guard spot.

Next: 5th Round (166th Overall, Via GB) – Joe Cardona

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