The Unpacking Future Packers countdown is a countdown of the 100 prospects who could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL Draft.
In back-to-back NFL drafts, Brian Gutekunst has added a pair of FCS talents. Green Bay general manager Christian Watson added in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft and followed that up by selecting Tucker Kraft in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Gutekunst could return to the FCS pool during the 2024 NFL Draft by adding Mason McCormick. South Dakota State's interior offensive lineman checks in at No. 77 in the countdown to unloading receiver packages.
McCormick, a Sioux Falls native, finished his career at SDSU with 57 consecutive starts at left guard. McCormick played a key role in helping the Jackrabbits win back-to-back national championships.
Mason McCormick, a Sioux Falls native, finished his career at SDSU with 57 career starts at LG. He has given up zero sacks and just two pressures this season.
He was one of the OL's @Sherine Powell I highlighted it to the Packers more @ThePackersWirehttps://t.co/5O0IuAxHUg pic.twitter.com/mvhAGO067E
-Bronnen Rupp (@Bronnen_Rupp) January 27, 2024
“Mason has always been one of the hardest workers in our program,” SDSU offensive line coach Ryan Olson said. “His attitude and consistency on a daily basis brought out the best in his teammates. Obviously the tape and what he gave us on the field speaks for itself.”
McCormick has quick feet and remains balanced in his setup. He plays with a low center of gravity and has a strong upper body. He has a high football IQ and keeps his head on a swivel. He has strong hands and stops rushers in their tracks. According to Pro Football Focus, McCormick gave up zero sacks and just three pressures last season.
“His athletic gifts in terms of body control, light feet and natural balance are elite,” Olson said. “But in addition to that, he is the type of player who always has a plan ahead. He studies the man opposite him and knows what he has to be ready for. He is a player with a sharp mind.”
McCormick is a batter's run blocker and stays under blocks. He plays with a lot of aggression and keeps his legs moving on contact to create movement and open up running lanes.
“He has a lot of twitching and snapping, but on top of that, he's a finisher and he has an edge,” Olson said. “He plays with a high level of aggression and wants to finish every game.”
During his time at Brookings, McCormick logged 3,375 snaps at left guard, 15 snaps at center and 19 snaps at right guard. He took reps at center during East-West Shrine Bowl practices and looked more than comfortable. The move to center is something Olson believes McCormick can handle with ease.
#SDSU IOL Mason McCormick had a really good week in the Shrine Bowl playing both guard and center although he primarily played left guard for the Jackrabbits.
Physical interior linemen have excellent shooting spots in the running game and can ascend to the second level. People mover. pic.twitter.com/Dprhfk1nP1
– Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) February 17, 2024
“Without a doubt,” Olson said. “I've been letting him do any and all drills while snapping the ball. He's been taking positional reps in practice. He'll get comfortable there quickly. As far as the mental part of it, he's set up our protections and run count here over the last two years from point guard “He's used to running the show.”
Suit up with the Packers
The Packers need to add depth along the interior of the offensive line and could be in the market for a guard to battle Sean Ryan for the right guard position.
McCormick is battle-tested and could step in on Day 1 to challenge Ryan to start reps. Even if he doesn't earn a starting role as a starter, he will provide much-needed depth at guard and center.
With his short-court shooting speed, toughness and IQ, McCormick has the makings of a player who could have a 10-year career. Plug him into guard or center and he'll likely never get the job back.
“He's an exceptional competitor,” Olson said. “He doesn't lose a lot, but when he does, he can hit the reset and make the next play. He's as mentally tough and resilient as they come. He's a tireless worker. You won't find smarter offensive guys in a draft class. He makes everyone around him better.”
The Packers had great success finding quality offensive linemen on Day 3 of the draft. If McCormick is still on board when the Packers are on the clock in the fourth round, the opportunity to add a player with his experience, intelligence and intangibles will be hard to pass up.
