 Mason adds some depth to the Patriots' offensive line. (USA TODAY Images) |
The Patriots addressed their offensive line on Saturday, and in the fourth round added Georgia Tech guard Shaq Mason, their second guard of the round.
Mason adds depth to a group that now also includes Tre Jackson, who was picked earlier in the same round. Both players will likely push incumbents Josh Kline and Jordan Devey, and with Dan Connolly still a free agent, Mason joins Johnson as two players who should set up an interesting position battle heading into training camp. Marcus Cannon and Ryan Wendell would seem to be the likely two players to be your day one starters, but given the injuries this team has faced up front in recent years, it will be interesting to see if either rookie ends up in the line-up this season.
According to Mason, he and Jackson are friends, which should allow the two an immediate comfort level when they arrive and get to work at Gillette Stadium.
"As far as another offensive linemen coming in from the ACC, me and Tre' [Jackson], we're pretty cool," said Mason. "So that's my guy."
Mason's 6-foot-1 and 300 pounds, not quite as big as Johnson, who is much bigger at 6'4", 330lbs. But he's a tough player and according to several draft profiles, he's a player who has good leverage, with his specialty considered to be in the ground game and just needs to work on his technique. He's also a player who has some good versatility and could also be a potential back-up to center Bryan Stork.
It's a nice pick up and gives the Patriots some additional talent up front. Not a bad addition for a 4th round pick and he's excited to be a Patriot.
"Coming off of a Super Bowl, it's a great organization," said Mason. "I couldn't be in a better place."
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