FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots doubled-dipped at offensive line in the fourth round for the second consecutive year.
The Patriots selected Georgia Tech offensive lineman Shaq Mason with the 131st overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Mason played guard at Georgia Tech, but he could project at center in the NFL because he’s only 6-foot-2, 304 pounds. Mason’s full name is Shaquille Olajuwon Mason, so it seems he was destined to be a center.
The Patriots selected Florida State guard Tre’ Jackson with the 111th overall pick.
The Patriots selected Florida State center Bryan Stork and Stanford offensive tackle Cameron Fleming in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL draft.
Mason was a workout warrior at his Georgia Tech pro day. He ran a 4.99-second 40-yard dash with a 7.53-second 3-cone drill and 4.65-second short shuttle. He recorded a 32-inch vertical leap, 9-foot, 2-inch broad jump and 25 reps on the bench press.
Mason graded as Pro Football Focus’ second-best guard last season, but they note he has raw technique because of his lack of experience pass blocking in Georgia Tech’s option-heavy scheme.
Thumbnail photo via Glenn Andrews/USA TODAY Sports Images
