Michigan football had five former players participating in the Senior Bowl on Saturday, but the only one that really made an impact was Ben Mason.
Of all the former Michigan football players who participated in the Senior Bowl on Saturday, it was probably Ben Mason who helped his NFL draft the most.
The defender is obviously a position that has been seen less and less over the years in football, either at the college level or in the NFL. But when a guy can do the things Mason can do on the football field, there will always be a place for him.
Just check this pancake on a running pad. This will certainly turn heads in the NFL offices and move Mason some recruiting staff.
That move here basically sums up who Mason is as a football player. It also makes you wonder why Michigan football didn’t run the ball much last season because, as a lead blocker, Mason is a freight train.
Here’s what NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah had to say about Mason, via Rivals:
“Keep an eye on him, by the way. He already had some nice lead blocks in the game. In fact, he started a game on the defensive line, so he is very versatile. A very tough boy. “
However, it is more than just a lead blocker. In fact, he started his Michigan football career as a linebacker and went on the attack. He also played on the defensive line for a while before returning as a defender and it looks like there is a good chance he will be called up, perhaps even in the middle of the rounds.
As for the other former Michigan football players in the game, there was little impact. Nico Collins did not play much and did not see a pass in his way during the game. Ambry Thomas also didn’t see many clicks, nor did Chris Evans, who didn’t actually play anything.
Still, when it comes to the Senior Bowl, training means more than the game and Collins, as well as Evans and Mason did very well this week.
Collins, Mason, Thomas and Evans join several other ex-Wolverines, such as Kwity Paye and Cam McGrone, who are due to be called up. Paye is seen as a first round choice.
None of the Senior Bowl guys are likely to make it this early, but with a solid time of 40 in the mix, Collins could easily be a second or third round selection.