Mason Cole Is A Versatile OL That If Developed Could Be A Solid Starter For The Redskins

Mason Cole, OT/C
School: Michigan | Conference: BIG 10
College Experience: Senior | Age: 21
Height / Weight: 6-4 / 303 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 4th Round
NFL Comparison: Cody Whitehair

College Statistics

N/A

Player Overview

Mason Cole has been a stalwart of the Michigan offensive line for four years. The Tarpon Springs, Florida native was the first true freshman ever to start for the Wolverines on the offensive line. He tied the school record with most consecutive starts (51) when he played his final game as a Wolverine which was this game’s Citrus Bowl. Cole started at left tackle his first two years before moving inside to Center last year and then moving back outside to LT this year. Size and length concerns will likely force Cole inside for his NFL career but having a player with several years of tackle experience is certainly a plus. Cole plays with good movement and athleticism and his best asset aside from his durability and versatility is probably his footwork. That said Cole still has a lot to work on despite his experience before he’s ready for a starting role at either tackle, center or even guard. Cole plays way too upright and his balance is often comprised when asked to maintain his blocks. While he has a powerful punch he doesn't consistently make contact and is susceptible to inside moves. Cole is a developmental prospect at the next level but if he can clean up his fundamentals he should compete for a starting role at center or even at guard in his career who might also be able to fill in at tackle in a pinch.

Strengths

• Has good athleticism for the position with good ability to pull and find blockers in space. Athleticism allows him to make recoveries other linemen wouldn't have a chance at.
• Feet are the strongest part of his technical game. Gets out of his stance with good initial quickness and is able to mirror edge rushers well. As an interior lineman working in a shorter area his base and slide significantly improve.
• Projects to center or even guard at the next level but has significant experience at tackle which improves his versatility.
• When he lands them punch is impressive and powerful. Competitive on each snap will work to the whistle.

Weaknesses

• Major technical issues that need to be ironed out include hand placement, leverage, balance, and cleaning up his tendency to lunge and bend at the waist.
• Overall consistency is not there.
• Struggles with bullrush at tackle and can be pushed off his mark.
• Tackle height but undersized could stand to put on 10 lbs or more.

Let’s see his work:

More Mason Cole videos

How He Would Fit On The Redskins

As a rookie, I think its wishful thinking that Mason Cole competes seriously for a starting role at any of the Redskin’s interior line positions just because he has a long way to go with refining his technique. He’s a player with certain good traits and is a decent piece of clay to mold for Coach Callahan. The good thing about Cole is that I do think he is better than several of the Redskins current backups on the Redskins roster across and I think relatively easily could fill a depth role. As far as immediate contributions I do think Cole would be able to compete as a swing tackle. Cole has been praised for his reliability and work ethic so I have little doubt he will make strides in the right environment. If coached up I think Cole is one of those players that can grow exponentially after a season of pro football. A team like the Redskins that needs help at both LG and C could be rewarded with an above average starter.