Pat Massey
Undrafted Free Agent
Defensive End
San Diego Chargers
Summary
Given Pat Massey’s experience and size, the Chargers picked
up the 6’8 Ohio native as a project for their 3-4 base defense. While
there aren't a whole lot of bodies at defensive end for the Chargers, things
still won‘t be easy for Massey. The starters, Luis Castillo and Igor Olshansky
are two young products from previous drafts and the staff likes them a lot.
There are two backup defensive ends, Jacques Cesaire, and Derreck Robinson with
seventh round pick Chase Page in the fold as well.
The team will likely keep four, or at the most, five defensive ends on the
roster. Jacques Cesaire is entering his fourth year with the team and saw a
few starts and increased playing time last year. His spot is considered a lock.
Derreck Robinson, came in last year as an undrafted defensive tackle out of
Iowa, but made the roster. He didn’t play much at all last year and was
inactive for a good portion of the season. Robinson isn’t a great talent,
but his year of experience in the organization will give him a leg up on Massey.
Chase Page, the
Chargers seventh round pick from North Carolina, will have to fight for a roster
spot along with Massey. The 6’4, 285 pound Page is a player with some
upside and is a former defensive tackle that will try his hand at defensive
end. Much like Massey, Page was inconsistent and wasn’t as productive
as he could have been in college. One thing to Massey's advantage is his experience
in the 3-4 system. The former Wolverine had arguably his best playing days at
defensive end in the 3-4 at Michigan.
Overall, I expect Massey to be with the Chargers in some fashion. Marty Schottenheimer's
club has shown patience and trust in undrafted players at the end position in
the past. Derreck Robinson and Jacques Cesaire both were undrafted free agents
and are the backup defensive ends currently. I certainly think Massey can beat
out Chase Page if he plays like he is capable, but there still may not be a
spot available. The former Michigan captain has been working very hard this
off season and training for his shot in the NFL. Expect Massey to develop on
the practice squad and possibly find his way on the roster if injuries call
for his promotion.
Grant Mason
Undrafted Free Agent
Cornerback
New Orleans Saints
Summary
Grant Mason is entering an interesting situation with New Orleans.
The team went into the draft with only four cornerbacks on the roster and only
added one in the draft (Josh Lay in the sixth round). The top four top four
corner spots are locked up for the Saints with Mike McKenzie and Fred Thomas
as the starters, and Joey Thomas and Jason Craft as the two backups. Josh Lay,
Grant Mason, and two other Big Ten cornerbacks, Anwar Phillips (Penn State)
and Ray Williams (Purdue), will compete for the final spot assuming the team
only carries five cornerbacks.
Lay,
being the drafted player will likely begin with upper hand, but don’t
count anyone out yet. All four corners have considerable skills. Lay is more
of a cover corner with fluid movement, good speed, and ideal size. He needs
to be more aggressive against the run, physical in coverage and needs a lot
of polish in his footwork. Anwar Phillips is much in the Josh Lay mold. Good
size, speed, and awareness, but he has his drawbacks as well. Phillips needs
to improve his discipline. He gambles too often and doesn’t anticipate
routes well. Ray Williams made the switch from receiver to cornerback and started
the better half of the season there. He is very raw at the position but showed
promise and potential.
Mason himself is an intriguing prospect. He doesn’t have great deep speed
or recovery skills, but he has good short area quickness, work ethic, and toughness.
After moving over from wide receiver and playing two years of corner at Michigan,
Mason's experience is limited, but his potential is still there. Mason is the
kind of player who could really benefit from a year on the practice squad. The
key for him will be edging out the other cornerbacks and impressing the coaching
staff. That staff includes former Michigan offensive coordinator Terry Malone.
Malone was hired to coach the tight ends for the Saints and it should be beneficial
to Mason to have a familiar face around.
Tomorrow, the final part of the series…. Matt Lentz, Adam Stenavich
and Pierre Woods