In an NFL Draft class lauded for its depth at the offensive line, the Green Bay Packers stand to benefit from the surplus of players available at one of their biggest positions of need. Whether they select multiple linemen early or wait a bit to add to the position group, South Dakota State’s Mason McCormick is one player they can’t miss out on.
You won’t find his name in any first-round mock drafts, and likely not even if they extend into the second and third rounds. Still, there’s certainly a buzz surrounding McCormick’s name as we inch closer to the draft. Relative Athletic Score isn’t the be-all-end-all for draft prospects. However, there’s a strong correlation between not only a high RAS and success in the league but also a high RAS and your chances of getting drafted by the Packers. NFL.com also has his athleticism score rated as the best of any of the guards at the combine. At 6’4”, 309 lbs., he may be just a bit undersized. However, McCormick’s explosiveness and athleticism more than make up for any perceived lack of size.
As a collegiate player, there wasn’t much more that you could ask out of McCormick. He was a three-year captain and started 57-straight games for a South Dakota State team that won back-to-back FCS National Championships. McCormick began emerging into the national spotlight after an impressive performance at the East-West Shrine Bowl. A scout described him as having a “controlled, violent demeanor,” which is exactly what I want in my offensive linemen. Perhaps more importantly, he showcased at guard and center, adding versatility to a repertoire that should have Brian Gutekunst salivating.
The combination of versatility and value should fall in line with Green Bay’s recent offensive line draft picks. The Packers pounced on Elgton Jenkins in the second round in 2019, knowing he could play just about anywhere on the line. Zach Tom was an excellent athlete (9.58 RAS), and then-offensive line coach and current offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich knew they could find a home for him. After bouncing around a bit, he’s anchoring the right side of the line after the Packers took him in the fourth round (No. 140 overall). Jon Runyan Jr. was a serviceable sixth-round pick thanks largely to his athleticism, and being a top-tier athlete kept Yosh Nijman in the league.
McCormick has elite athleticism, but he’ll need to show more than that to truly make an impact in the NFL. However, athleticism allows players to get to the second level, which will be crucial in helping to open up big plays for new running back Josh Jacobs. He also has the type of football IQ that should allow NFL coaches to bring even more out of him as a player.
“His athletic gifts in terms of body control, light feet, and natural balance are elite,” said SDSU offensive line coach Ryan Olson. “But in addition to that, he’s the type of player who always has a pre-snap plan. He studies the guy across from him and knows what to be ready for. He’s a cerebral player.”
In a perfect world, Gutekunst would be able to take a versatile player like Graham Barton from Duke or Troy Fautanu from Washington with the 25th pick in the first round, then come back and be able to grab McCormick with the team’s fourth-round selection. However, Gutekunst might need to be willing to make a deal to move up if the Packers go in a different direction than offensive line in the first round, given that McCormick seems to be a late riser. As the draft currently stands, Green Bay’s second second-round selection is at No. 58, while their first third-round pick is at No. 88. The second-round selection feels too early, but the third-round pick might be too late.
McCormick has a lot going for him. If he’s still available by the fourth round, the Green Bay Packers should absolutely select him. It’s a different decision in the third round, but his versatility and ability to improve as a player should also be worth a Day 2 pick. Being college teammates with Tucker Kraft doesn’t hurt. Neither does the fact that the man wears a neck roll. Find me a player that looks more like a Brian Gutekunst mid-round pick. It’d be hard to do better than Mason McCormick.
