This NFL Draft has been a strange one already for a lot of reasons, but one particularly relevant trend has been the run on tight ends. Through three rounds, there's already been nine tight ends taken, which is four more than last year after day two. That's a trend that can't be dismissed, but it may also end up helping Lance Mason.
Mason, by many, wasn't considered a player who would be drafted in the seven NFL Draft rounds. Most experts assumed he would be a UDFA. However, the latest ESPN mock draft did have Lance Mason as "Mr. Irrelevant." The last pick of the draft.
Lance Mason's draft stock went way up after three rounds of the NFL Draft
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Yet, this trend of tight ends may end up working out in his favor. He went from being pretty far down on the tight end "best available" list to now the fifth-best tight end left, according to CBS Sports. Nine tight ends taken means fewer teams are looking for a new tight end on their roster. There are still 23 teams that haven't drafted one.
Mason transferred into Wisconsin this last season from Missouri State, where he came off a 34 catch, 590 yard, six touchdown season. As a Badger, he had 30 receptions for 398 yards and four touchdowns. His ability to catch the ball, especially in the red zone, will be a strong selling point for an NFL team. His versatility as a tight end may end up having one team gamble on him early.
Mason is known for his blocking ability as much as his catching ability, and his big frame makes him an excellent touchdown threat. He accomplished a lot in one season as a Badger, even with a rotating quarterback situation. He may end up being a real steal for an NFL team.
Now that everyone wants a tight end in the NFL Draft, he may have jumped from a UDFA to a late-round pick. Saturday will tell the full story.
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