from the archive + revised: scouting Tre Mason

BamaRam

Thu May 22, 2014: I used to be an editor for an online draft blog and I kind of miss it. So I decided to do a little detailed series of write-ups introducing the Rams’ rookies. I won’t be going in any particular order, but I hope to offer some insight for those who may not be too familiar with our newest Rams.

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Jul 10, 2014: Tre Mason | RB | Auburn, revised July 10.

TRE MASON

Combine:
5’8 1/2″
207 lbs
30″ arms
9″ hands
4.50s 40 yard dash
1.50 s 10 yard split
4.15 Short Shuttle
28.5 Vertical Jump
10’6″ Broad Jump

NFL.com Grade: 5.8 (Chance to become NFL starter)
Bamaram Grade: 6.1 (Should become instant starter)

I must first admit that I have a little bit of bias when it comes to Tre Mason. I live in Auburn, have attended many Auburn games, and even work in the Auburn Athletic department. Having said that, I’ve managed to remain pretty neutral about the selection (even when my wife – a huge Auburn and Rams fan – was jumping up and down after we made the pick).

Mason was a highly touted running back recruit who chose Auburn of a score of other scholarships. He broke out in 2012 but no one saw the immense production that he would have in 2013- breaking Bo Jackson’s school record for yards. Mason was a Heisman runner-up and one of the best runners in the country.

As a prospect Mason is a stout, thick RB with a very strong upperbody and large thighs. He has returned kicks at Auburn since his freshman year and has been effective, but not spectacular in that role. He finished his career with very few receptions and will probably only be used as a screen and checkdown option in the passing game. Auburn’s unique offense rarely asked him to pass block, but he did well chipping edge defenders. Like most rookie RB’s he’ll have to learn how to man up blitzers.

As a runner, Mason is very decisive. If he hesitated at the line of scrimmage, it was usually because nothing was there. He doesn’t miss openings. He shows very good field vision, he sees holes as they’re developing rather than after they open. He is particularly good at reading his second level blockers and making the second cut for extra yards. He is disciplined and rarely bounces runs outside unless it is beneficial. He holds the ball high and tight. He is difficult to bring down and runs with good natural pad level while still keeping his eyes up.

He has a very good stiff arm, but he can rely on his upper body a little too much when taking on defenders. Rather than lowering his shoulders and driving his legs, he’ll put an arm up to keep the defender off. This isn’t a major problem but I’d rather seem him cover up and lower his shoulders like Zac Stacy. As stated previously, his inexperience catching the ball isn’t ideal but is far from a dealbreaker in our system that prefers to keep backs in and send out TE’s for the checkdown.

I break prospects’ speed evaluations into three “gears” (think like a car). The first gear is their “first-step”. Mason has a very good first gear. He explodes out of the handoff and is moving faster than everyone else when he gets to the line of scrimmage. The second gear is when the player reaches stride. His second gear is very good. He won’t be able to take the edge from DB’s, but he can outrun linebackers to the corner and get separation in the second level. Because of his first gear, he can often force DB’s to turn and run in the second level. The third gear is how well the player can pull away and separate. His third gear is LeSean McCoy-esque. He can get run down but he is far from slow. His unofficial combine times were in the 4.4’s and his official time of 4.50 is great for a powerful RB.

From my notes, I had Mason and Bishop Sankey as the best backs in the class and saw them both as middle-second round prospects. For us to get him in the middle of the 3rd and as the 5th running back off the board was excellent value in my opinion. Many felt the Rams didn’t need to spend a day-2 pick on a running back but both the decision and the player are a perfect fit for what the Rams decided to do this offseason. Supporting Sam Bradford is obviously the #1 priority, but the team could go 2 different directions with that endgoal: 1. draft explosive weapons like we did last year or 2. Improve his protection and the running game to take the pressure off of him. We went with option 2 by adding an elite tackle in Greg Robinson and a great runningback prospect in Tre Mason. We will run the ball more, and more effectively. Bradford will be allowed to have more time, throw against 8-men boxes, and most importantly throw off the play action.

Mason should compete with fellow rookie Lamarcus Joyner for kick return duties year one. I expect him to immediately share carries with Zac Stacy and be his relief. I still think Stacy will be the primary back but by the end of 2014 we will have a true two-back system, with Cunningham as 3rd string. My current NFL comparison is DeAngelo Williams of the Carolina Panthers. It’s not the dreads. They have a very similar build and their workout numbers were very similar. Williams has made a very productive career for himself in a two-back system and his decisive, semi-powerful (with a little wiggle) running style looks very similar to Mason’s.

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