Ben Mason question

Submitted by reddogrjw on October 29th, 2020 at 8:20 AM

With how he is being used, and with no replacement like him coming, and this season not counting towards eligibility, do you see him back for a 5th year?  I don't see a significant NFL future, so returning and working on his Masters may be appealing depending on how the scholarship situation plays out

 

Thoughts?

Robbie Moore

October 29th, 2020 at 9:03 AM ^

No NFL future? Many teams carry a fullback. Many teams utilize an H back. And, if I remember correctly, they run special teams in the League. Is there anyone out there that brings what Mason brings? Health cooperating he has a 10 year pro career ahead of him.

Goggles Paisano

October 29th, 2020 at 8:27 AM ^

Man I sure hope so.  I never understood whey they moved away from him the last couple years.  He was so darn good as a blocker and short yardage back.  You know those defenders want no part of that man.  

lsjtre

October 29th, 2020 at 8:29 AM ^

Yes please, let Murderface keep murdering people's faces. I think with another year, he may get some NFL attention if he continues his trajectory 

iMBlue2

October 29th, 2020 at 9:15 AM ^

I’d say a more athletic James Develin the patriots recently retired pro bowl FB.  Career cut short due to neck injury but that’s the pitfalls of being a FB.  
 

Devlin was a Defensive lineman in college but his athletic attributes and versatility were identified early on by Pats   For the FB role.  I could see New England drafting him late because that aforementioned early retirement took something out of the Offense, they use a player they signed from the Europe program where they get a roster exemption and he isn’t good.

1VaBlue1

October 29th, 2020 at 8:33 AM ^

Murderface.

I mean, how do you give up that nickname?  But I see a bright future in the NFL for him, especially if he continues to get passes thrown at him and maybe a handful of carries.  Should he catch said passes for yards and TDs, and make good use of the small amount of hand-off's he'll collect, he'll be a player that NFL teams are forced to look at with a mid-round pick.  I mean, his ability to find, target, and destroy LBs and DBs are peerless in college football today.  And I don't know if there's anyone as good in the NFL today, either (but it is the NFL, so probably).

His combination of athleticism, size, and mentality make him an attractive package to an NFL team that prioritizes blocks that just obliterate people on contact.  Ergo, the Lions won't draft him.  If nothing else, that should make him seriously consider the draft...

what would Bo do

October 29th, 2020 at 8:44 AM ^

He certainly won't be a high round draft pick, but to assume that he won't have an NFL future is unwise.  A few teams still utilize full backs, so I think he'll get a legitimate chance.  He's also shown that he's more than capable on special teams, and with his attitude and work ethic, I'd expect several special teams coordinators will be vying to have their teams draft him.  He has a valuable set of skills that all 32 teams could use on special teams and a handful could use on offense; I'll bet a dollar he's on an NFL roster next year.  I'd be more than happy to welcome him back next year though.

Hugh White

October 29th, 2020 at 9:10 AM ^

I think the NFL Fullback is making a resurgence, especially the Fullback/H-back combination player who can block, run, and catch, e.g. Jusczcyk on the 49ers. 

blueinbeantown

October 29th, 2020 at 9:12 AM ^

No place for BADASS Ben in NFL?  Guarantee, while he won't be a day 1 or 2 pick, I'd wager a large sum that Bill Belichick happily uses a 5-6 rounder on him.  Use of fullback, check! Special teams terror, check. Loves football, check!  Tough, hard nosed, check-check-check.  

Mongo

October 29th, 2020 at 11:50 AM ^

Plus, Ben has been "recruited" by Belichick and the Patriots since youth football.  Dad has connections there and Ben has become a legend in New England.  That Patriot connection is how Brown/Harbaugh found Ben in a world chaulk full of under-the-radar high school fullbacks.

Ben will graduate from Ross with a BBA degree and will get drafted by a team that will use him as a Special Teams leader and as a FB/HB on offense.  For sure, the Patriots will have him on their draft board.

pinkfloyd2000

October 29th, 2020 at 9:22 AM ^

I can already see Ben settling in for a nice NFL career at some place like NE or San Fran, places that have historically employed 2-back sets the most often; or, even somewhere like Minnesota or Detroit.

But yeah, he's gonna play at the next level. Now, should he come back to Michigan for a fifth year?

Well, of course he should. He wants a shot at beating the Buckeyes at home, right? :-) 

matty blue

October 29th, 2020 at 9:34 AM ^

i think he's got a very, very good shot at the nfl. 

he's got agility, pass-catching skills, and is obviously a terrific blocker.  i can easily imagine him as a third tight end that actually makes plays.  plus he's nasty as hell.   an out-of-control garbage truck that can also hop a barrier.  entertaining to watch whether he touches the ball or not.

i don't want to get too carried away here, but i truly think he's one of those guys that can change the way you think about a position.

i may be biased.

BrownJuggernaut

October 29th, 2020 at 10:07 AM ^

I could totally see Mason making a career for himself as a gunner on special teams or something like that. He seems like a guy that loves football and football coaches love that and want guys like that. I think he'll at least have the opportunity, even if FB are less prevalent.

skatin@the_palace

October 29th, 2020 at 10:41 AM ^

Honestly, with guys like Kyle Juszcyzk, Anthony Sherman making plays consistently and adding value in different ways to their respective teams, I think Ben Mason will have a legitimate opportunity at a career in the NFL. 

I do think that they may put BVS back on the offensive side of the ball next year, and let him cook as a Bench facsimile. With Ojabo, Herrell and incoming freshman Tyler McLaurin, they have enough bodies to use at the SAM spot and in different capacities. Plus with the value Mason has provided this year so far (I know, only one game) I think that keeping a roster spot for a guy like that adds immense value in 2020, 2021 and beyond. Mason's versatility and physicality is zag to every defensive scheme zigs he's a matchup nightmare. Throw in BVS history as a pass catcher plus his size and you've got a shot at continuing the use of a FB that adds real value. 

njvictor

October 29th, 2020 at 11:23 AM ^

BVS could definitely replace him in some capacity and I do see him having an NFL future either as a fullback or on special teams. He's just that tenacious and that good of a blocker. With that being said, I'm not sure he'd get drafted and I think it's likely he comes back for a 5th year

username

October 29th, 2020 at 11:49 AM ^

I played very low level high school football and am not a big guy.  I remember different drills where you are randomly matched up for some type of contact.  There were a few guys on my team that I hated going against.  The basic laws of physics predetermined I was going to get my ass kicked and then when you factor in some of them were pure crazy - shudder!  

I wonder what the mentality is of Mason's teammates when they come up against him in a one-on-one drill.  I know these guys are all uber-achievers, but I have to imagine most of the team would prefer to face someone other than Ben.

Real Tackles Wear 77

October 29th, 2020 at 12:08 PM ^

I think he has a place on most NFL rosters, but it will also require him to play some special teams. He'll also graduate with a BBA from Ross which will provide him with options if he doesn't play in the pros. Seems like the kind of guy who will be back at UM next year though.

Unsalted

October 29th, 2020 at 12:21 PM ^

Everyone wants more Ben Mason. That includes the NFL. I would love him to stay, but it's probably time for him to make the big bucks, he has earned that.