Mason Cole, Michigan: 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report
By Jon Dove
Michigan’s Mason Cole is a highly experienced and versatile offensive line prospect eligible for the 2018 NFL Draft.
Mason Cole has see time all across the offensive line for the Michigan Wolverines. Most recently, he has lined up at left tackle where he has held his own. The move to left tackle was more out of roster needs than Cole’s ability.
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He is at his best when playing along the interior at either guard or center. However, the time he spent at left tackle highlighted his overall athleticism and versatility. Cole just lacks the foot speed needed to consistently protect the edge against speed rushers.
It’s easy to notice that Cole understands he doesn’t have the quickness to hold up in space. He immediately gets duck arms in an attempt to get a quicker shuffle. This limits his ability to get his hands on the defender.
As a pass protector on the interior, he is committed to gaining inside hands and has the base to anchor after contact. He is more than capable of mirror the rusher from either the guard or center position.
In the run game, Cole does a great job gaining inside hands and generating a push. He features the athleticism to climb to the second level, pull to the edge and cross the face of the defender. Cole is someone who will fit in either a zone or power blocking scheme.
He plays an aggressive and physical style which also plays a role in his success as a run blocker. Cole has the skills to immediately step into the starting lineup and contribute. His future is as an interior player, but he could also fill in at right tackle if needed.