Lance Mason

NFL Draft Profile: Lance Mason

Position: Tight End | School: Wisconsin (via Missouri State) | Class: Senior

Height: 6'4" | Weight: 250 lbs | Archetype: Hybrid / Receiving

College Career Summary

Lance Mason’s path to the NFL is a classic story of an FCS standout proving himself on the biggest stage. After three productive years at Missouri State, where he was a 2024 FCS All-American and led all FCS tight ends in yards per reception (17.35), Mason transferred to Wisconsin for the 2025 season.

In Madison, Mason quickly became the "stabilizing force" for an offense undergoing significant transitions. Despite a revolving door at quarterback, Mason led the Badgers in receiving yards (398) and touchdowns (4). He proved that his "long-strider" speed translated to the Big Ten, consistently winning seam routes against elite safeties and providing a physical presence in the run game. He declared for the 2026 NFL Draft on December 28, 2025, bypassing a potential extra year of eligibility.

2025 Regular Season Stats

• Receptions: 30 | Receiving Yards: 398 | TDs: 4

• Average: 13.3 YPC | Long: 45 | Drops: 2

• Career Totals: 110 Rec, 1,673 Yds, 15 TD (Includes Missouri State & Wisconsin).

2025 Game-by-Game Grades

Week	Opponent	Stats (Rec/Yds/TD)	Grade	Scout's Notes
1	vs Miami (OH)	0 / 0 / 0	B-	Heavy blocking role in a shutout win; zero targets.
2	vs Middle Tenn	7 / 102 / 1	A+	The Apex. Total dominance; displayed elite YAC and verticality.
3	@ #11 Alabama	2 / 30 / 0	B+	Lone bright spot in Tuscaloosa; handled SEC physicality well.
4	vs Maryland	5 / 45 / 1	A	Primary target on the final drive; high-pointed a clutch TD.
6	@ #18 Michigan	3 / 30 / 0	B	Fought for yards against elite LBs; reliable on short crossers.
7	vs Iowa	1 / 29 / 0	B-	Stifled by Iowa's zone; only target was a 29-yard explosive gain.
8	vs #3 Ohio State	2 / 31 / 0	C+	Worst Game. Struggles with pass-pro against elite EDGE rushers.
9	@ #5 Oregon	2 / 9 / 1	A-	Low volume but high impact; scored the team's only TD.
11	vs Washington	1 / 5 / 0	B	Focused on run-blocking in a low-scoring defensive battle.
12	@ #1 Indiana	1 / 45 / 1	A	Scored on a 45-yard "walk-in" seam route; elite coverage bust recognition.
13	vs Illinois	2 / 23 / 0	B+	Physical presence; key blocks in the fourth-quarter run game.
14	@ Minnesota	4 / 49 / 0	A-	The engine of the passing game in a tough rivalry loss.

Scouting Grade Rubric

Intangibles (.20) — Grade: 95/100

• Leadership: Captain. Identified as a leader immediately after transferring; highly vocal.

• Mental Toughness: Elite. Transitioned from FCS to the Big Ten and became TE1 instantly.

• Competitor: Plays with a "grinder" mentality; wins contested balls through sheer will.

• Team Player: Praised by Luke Fickell for his selflessness in a run-heavy system.

• Star Power: The focal point of the defense's attention every Saturday in Madison.

Physical Tools (.20) — Grade: 88/100

• Height/Weight: 6'4", 250 lbs. (Meets the 250lb weight; slightly under 6'5" height).

• Stamina: High; a fixture on the field for nearly 95% of offensive snaps.

• Durability: Excellent; played in every game during the 2025 campaign.

• Injury History: Medically clean; high durability through a high-contact career.

Attributes (.20) — Grade: 90/100

• Catching: High. Exceptional concentration; secure hands in traffic.

• Route Running: Advanced. Masters the complexity of Jeff Grimes' TE-centric schemes.

• Strength: Translates weight room power to the field; holds his own in the "trench."

• Blocking: Solid. A technical blocker who seals edges effectively, though can be beaten by pure speed.

• Release: Efficient; uses his frame to shield defenders immediately off the line.

Athleticism (.20) — Grade: 85/100

• Speed: 4.72 (Estimated). More of a "long-strider" than a burner.

• Agility: Solid; good enough to snap off routes in the short-to-intermediate range.

• Jumping: Excellent; former multi-sport background shows in high-point situations.

• Acceleration: Build-up speed; takes a few steps to reach top gear.

• Break Tackle: Powerful; difficult to take down with arm tackles once he's in space.

IQ (.20) — Grade: 97/100

• Awareness: Elite. Diagnoses coverage busts and adjusts routes in real-time.

NFL Scouting Report

• Strengths: Prototypical modern "Hybrid" TE; elite football IQ and coverage recognition; high-level production against both FCS and top-tier Big Ten competition; massive "red-zone" target with reliable hands; technically sound and willing blocker.

• Weaknesses: Lacks "elite" suddenness/twitch; slightly under the preferred height for traditional Y-tight ends; lateral speed can be tested by NFL-caliber nickels.

• Scheme Fit: Ideal "Y" Tight End in a Pro-Style or West Coast system (e.g., Packers, Vikings, Steelers).

• NFL Comparison: Hunter Henry / Dalton Schultz.

Scout's Final Word

"Lance Mason is the 'pro's pro' of this class. He doesn't have the flashy 4.4 speed of a Kyle Pitts, but he has the frame, hands, and brain to play in the league for a decade. His ability to transfer into a high-pressure Big Ten environment and immediately lead the team in every receiving category speaks volumes about his readiness. While positional value will keep him out of the top 20, he is a Day 2 steal for a team needing a reliable security blanket."

Draft Projection: Round 3.