Raiders NFL Draft Prospect: Guard Mason McCormick

The Las Vegas Raiders were hit with the injury bug on their offensive line last season, and adding a durable offensive lineman like Mason McCormick this offseason should be a focus.

One of the great things the Las Vegas Raiders are known for is developing an underdog.

Guard Mason McCormick of South Dakota State was a two-time FCS champion, but his football journey is one that could certainly be described as an underdog story.

Now one of the top guards in the 2024 NFL Draft class, McCormick entered college as a 0-star prospect by 247Sports.

McCormick started all 15 games at right guard for the Jackrabbits last season, helping lead South Dakota State to a perfect record and an FCS title. 

The program finished sixth in FCS in scoring at 37.3 points per game, sixth in total offense at 449.9 yards per game, and fifth in rushing offense at 227.7 rushing yards per game. 

McCormick was an All-Missouri Valley Football Conference First Team honoree and was also named to the Associated Press FCS All-American First Team.

Pro Football Focus gave McCormick an overall grade of 87.6, the second-highest grade among guards in college football. He also was given a run-blocking grade of 90.8, a pass-blocking grade of 85.4, and a zone grade of 94.7.

The Las Vegas Raiders were hit with the injury bug on their O-line last season, and adding a durable offensive lineman like Mason McCormick (60) this offseason should be a focus :: © Samantha Laurey / Ar | 2023 Aug 14

The season before, McCormick and the Jackrabbits finished the season at 13-1, winning their first FCS Championship in school history. 

McCormick started every game at left guard and was named a consensus All-American, as well as a first-team All-MVFC First Team honoree. PFF gave him an overall grade of 81.2 for that season.

In addition, McCormick finished his college career with a 57-game streak as a starter.

That durability alone is a strength that should stand out to the Raiders, who faced many injuries on their offensive line last season.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.

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