Commanders 2023 UDFA profile: Mason Brooks brings versatility

Can undrafted free agent Mason Brooks insert himself into the Washington Commanders' offensive line conversation in 2023?

Over the course of the last several seasons, the Washington Commanders have regularly struggled to find continuity along the offensive line. Whether due to injuries or ineffectiveness, their front five has simply not performed up to standards in recent years.

The Commanders’ protection bottomed out as one of the league’s worst blocking units in both the run and pass game in 2022. That has to change next season.

Sorting out the offensive line was a clear and obvious objective of Washington’s offseason agenda. Left tackle Charles Leno Jr. was the only player to start all 17 games up front for the Commanders last season and will remain on the blindside. Former second-round pick Sam Cosmi will move from right tackle to right guard in 2023. 

Signing veterans Andrew Wylie and Nick Gates added invaluable starting experience to the Commanders' revamped lineup. Rookie draft picks Ricky Stromberg and Braeden Daniels will inject some much-needed youth and talent as important depth for Washington’s middling group.

Saahdiq Charles and last year's seventh-round selection Chris Paul will battle in training camp to start at left guard. This leaves Leno, Gates, Cosmi, and Wylie likely rounding out the starting five.

Commanders have high hopes for UDFA Mason Brooks

But could an unlikely contender emerge along Washington’s offensive line?

Today we inspect another of the Commanders' undrafted free agent signings, going in-depth to evaluate an intriguing rookie with upside as Washington looks to solidify their protection up front for Eric Bieniemy’s new-look offense in 2023.

• Name: Mason Brooks
• School: Ole Miss
• Position: OL
• Height: 6-foot-6
• Weight: 315 pounds

Mason Brooks spent his first four college seasons at Western Kentucky, starting 26 games at both left and right tackle for the Hilltoppers. He was a first-team All-Conference USA selection in 2021 before transferring to Ole Miss for his fifth and final year.

The behemoth blocker played in all 13 games for the Rebels in 2023, taking reps primarily at both left and right guard but playing all over the offensive front during Mississippi’s 8-4 campaign. 

Brooks allowed just six total sacks over five college seasons, showing adequate strength at the point of attack and an impressive ability to anchor while using leverage to win difficult matchups. The versatile lineman displays excellent hand placement and packs a violent initial punch that consistently stuns oncoming rushers, proving more than capable of holding his own against elite SEC competition.

While Brooks certainly has NFL size as well as some exciting developmental traits, his lack of functional athleticism and foot speed are likely the reasons he was generally overlooked during the draft process.

Interestingly, Brooks was selected in the first round of the USFL Draft earlier this summer. Instead, he chose to sign an NFL contract as a priority undrafted free agent with the Commanders. 

Washington inked Brooks to one of the largest contracts handed out to an NFL UDFA this offseason. It included a $35,000 signing bonus with $150,000 in guaranteed money on his 2023 base salary - a robust commitment representing a clear indication that those in power see obvious potential in the versatile young lineman.

With new starters likely at four of the five spots along the Commanders’ offensive front, and nothing currently set in stone, Brooks has an excellent opportunity to make Washington’s final 53-man roster or practice squad in 2023. The rookie road-grader looks primed to settle in as a developmental depth option at guard or tackle for the Commanders, with eventual swing ability at either position.