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Michigan Football: Predicting where Ben Mason gets drafted

By Chris Peterson

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 24: Ben Mason #42 of the Michigan Wolverines dives for the endzone to score a touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines in the first quarter of the game at TCF Bank Stadium on October 24, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 24: Ben Mason #42 of the Michigan Wolverines dives for the endzone to score a touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines in the first quarter of the game at TCF Bank Stadium on October 24, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /
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Ben Mason has always been a favorite of Michigan football fans, but will the fullback get picked in the 2021 NFL draft? Here’s our prediction. 

As far as former Michigan football players preparing to hear their name called at the NFL draft this weekend, it does seem that one man is forgotten — Ben Mason.

In terms of position, Mason is in a bit of a no-man’s land. Fullbacks are a dying breed in the NFL and they have been for quite some time.

Yet, no matter how much teams air it out, throw the ball, and score points, at some point, you have to be able to run the football, to get a yard and that’s where guys like Mason come in.

At 6-foot-2, 246 pounds, Mason once played linebacker and defensive line for Michigan football, before moving back to the offensive side of the ball, which is where he fits best.

True fullbacks don’t have a ton of roster value, but a true hybrid H-back still does and that’s something Mason can be. Essentially, he can play the role of fullback/tight end.

NFL teams are constantly adding tight ends simply for the purpose of blocking and playing special teams. There’s a reason almost every roster has three or four tight ends and it’s not because they are all exceptional pass catchers.

They are moved all over the formation, lined up as lead blockers (full backs), they help with pass protection, as well as catch and run the ball. That’s what Mason is going to do in the NFL, in addition to being a really good special teams player right away.

NFL teams are allowed just 46 players on their gameday roster, so having a guy like Mason who can fill multiple spots on offense and special teams is extremely valuable.

Plus, he’s tough as nails. He’s the kind of guy you want on your side. Plus, he has a history of doing well as a short-yardage runner, something he did earlier in his Michigan football career, scoring seven touchdowns back in 2018.

Where will Mason go?

Most draft experts are projecting Mason to go somewhere on day three of the NFL draft. He was graded as a tight end and as a fullback.

One team that makes a lot of sense though, is the New York Jets. New head coach Robert Saleh comes from San Francisco where the Niners employed Kyle Juszczyk.

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Mason is viewed as a draft sleeper by Tony Pauline, who also says the Jets would be an ideal fit, but really as the top fullback, some team is going to pick him and come away very happy.

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