The Bucs have been left with a gap at proper guard when veteran starter Alex Cappa left for the Bengals in free company. Common supervisor Jason Licht wasted no time filling the void when he traded for Patriots guard Shaq Mason. The associated fee was only a fifth-round choice within the 2022 draft.
In buying the veteran guard, the Bucs not solely discovered themselves a substitute, but in addition upgraded the place as effectively.
Based on Professional Soccer Focus’ prime guard rankings, Mason grades out because the fifth-best guard within the NFL, touchdown within the second tier of the rankings. The seven-year professional is thought for his elite run blocking, however has developed into a really strong cross blocker as effectively.
Bucs G Shaq Mason – Picture by: USA Right now
Mason has a ton of familiarity blocking for his new quarterback as effectively. He spent the primary 5 seasons of his profession blocking for Tom Brady in New England.
Mason Is A PFF Favourite
Mason has completed with an 81.6 PFF grade or greater in 5 of his seven seasons. His rookie season was a little bit of a transition interval. Mason got here from a run-heavy scheme at Georgia Tech. His solely different down yr was in 2019 the place he gave up a career-high 31 pressures and 26 hurries. But Mason solely allowed two sacks that season.
Compared to the participant Mason is changing on the Bucs offensive line, Cappa ranked because the seventeenth finest guard within the league final yr per PFF. Falling below the strong starters tier, the previous Bucs guard has by no means posted a season grade greater than a 73.4. Cappa allowed a career-high 5 sacks in 2021 and had his struggles in cross blocking all through his profession.
Primarily based on these numbers alone, Mason is a transparent improve. Activate the tape and you may see why Licht pounced on the chance to commerce for Mason.
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