Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Derrick Mason (Michigan St.) - 1997 NFL Draft Pick #98 by TEN

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Derrick Mason - 1997 NFL Draft

Player Profile:

• Name: Derrick Mason
• College: Michigan State
• Position: Wide Receiver
• Height: 5'10"
• Weight: 185 lbs

Overview:

Derrick Mason was known for his quickness, agility, and ability to make plays after the catch. During his time at Michigan State, he developed into a reliable target, showcasing strong hands and route-running skills that caught the attention of NFL scouts.

Strengths:

• Excellent speed and acceleration, allowing him to stretch the field.
• Strong route-running ability, demonstrating sharp cuts and good separation from defenders.
• Reliable hands, capable of making difficult catches in traffic.
• Good vision and elusiveness after the catch, often turning short passes into significant gains.

Weaknesses:

• Size may be a concern for some teams, as he lacks the height typically desired in an NFL receiver.
• Needs to improve blocking skills to be effective in run support.

Draft Projection:

Derrick Mason was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 1997 NFL Draft. His speed and playmaking ability made him an intriguing option for teams looking to add depth at the wide receiver position. Scouts believed he could develop into a solid contributor, particularly in a spread offense.

Conclusion:

Derrick Mason's combination of speed, agility, and catching ability made him a desirable prospect. While there were some concerns regarding his size, many believed that his skill set would allow him to succeed at the professional level.