Ole Miss OT Mason Brooks Selected In First Round Of USFL College Draft
Even if Ole Miss offensive tackle Mason Brooks does not hear his name called in the 2023 NFL Draft come April, that doesn't mean he won't be suiting up for a franchise this year.
Brooks was selected with the fourth overall pick by the Memphis Showboats in the USFL's college draft on Tuesday afternoon. Brooks was one of 80 players selected through a 10-round selection process by the alternative football league that will begin its second season on April 15.
Brooks, a transfer from Western Kentucky, played in all 13 games for the Rebels in 2023, taking reps at a multitude of positions. Projected to be an interior offensive lineman at the next level, Brooks primarily saw a majority of his reps at both left and right guard during Ole Miss' 8-4 season.
Prior to his arrival in Oxford, Brooks started 23 games for the Hilltoppers and was a first-team All-Conference USA selection during the 2021 campaign. According to Pro Football Focus, the 6-6, 315-pound lineman finished with an overall blocking rating of 83.4 in 2020, which ranked No. 11 among offensive tackles.
Brooks' status in the NFL draft will not change entering the NFL Combine next week at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. Should Brooks be selected between April 27-29, the Showboats would only retain his rights moving forward.
Should Brooks become an undrafted free agent, he would have the ability to either sign with a franchise as part of their offseason 90-man roster or elect to better his stock by playing with the USFL in 2023.
“We are building the USFL for long-term success and our first-ever College Draft demonstrates our clear focus on building winning teams for Season 2, Season 3 and beyond,” Executive Vice President of Football Operations Daryl Johnston said.
The USFL rebooted last spring with all games played in Birmingham, Ala. This season, teams will be allocated to certain cities before hopefully calling their respective namesakes home starting in 2024.
Like many spring leagues, the USFL is viewed as a way to kickstart players' careers or give veterans a second chance at returning to the NFL. Last season, New Jersey Generals receiver and kick returner KaVontae Turpin was named the league's MVP after totaling 44 receptions for 540 yards and four touchdowns.
Turpin signed with the Dallas Cowboys last offseason and became the team's primary return specialist on kickoffs. He averaged 24.2 yards per return in 17 games, the sixth-highest among returners with at least 20 attempts.
“The USFL will continue to search for and evaluate the best players to join our league," Johnston said. "We are excited to see who the next KaVontae Turpin will be to turn an opportunity with the USFL into a springboard for success in the NFL. Conducting our inaugural College Draft shows that the USFL is committed to providing these talented players an alternative route to pursue their professional football dreams.”
Brooks was the only Ole Miss player selected in the inaugural USFL draft.
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