Position: Tight End
Height: 6′-2″
Weight: 248 pounds
School: Kansas
2024 NFL Draft: Mason Fairchild Scouting Report
Mason Fairchild is a talented all-around tight end included in the Mackey Award watch list. He has a high floor in the NFL and is a valuable asset to any team. Fairchild can hold his own in protection, excels in yards after the catch, and is a good receiver. He carries his weight very well, showcasing good fluidity in his hips, an important trait for receiving tight ends.
Strengths
- His versatile size impacts his yards after the catch ability. He seeks out physicality and transitions to a carrier fast;
- Playing low in his pads generates explosiveness out of breaks while also keeping his torso from over-committing;
- Mason Fairchild has intriguing potential as a receiving tight end. He catches the ball with natural, soft hands and has great body control. He also makes catches on the sideline and adjusts to the ball like an NFL-level player;
- He is a technically sound receiver with great physical tools that allow him to quickly throttle down, thanks to his fluid hips that sink well;
- Fairchild’s fast stride helps compensate for the lack of elite top-end speed. Fairchild also possesses a great burst and can pull away from linebackers and safeties;
- He has the potential to become a great tight end for a franchise. He is a coachable and intelligent player who requires some NFL development;
- Vs. 2024. Draft Tight Ends: Yards After the Catch: 7.6 (4th), Career Yards per Reception: 13.5 (4th), Yards per Route Run: 1.77 (9th), Yards Per Team Pass Attempt: 1.45 (6th).
Weaknesses
- Perhaps the least important thing for a tight end is downfield separation, which is an area that could use improvement;
- Mason Fairchild lacks top-end speed and must prove his projected 4.85 40-yard dash time is false. However, he plays faster on tape than a 4.85 40-yard dash;
- His blocking skills are not impressive, and he needs to work on the technical side of it to succeed in his in-line role at the next level. He has the size and ability to be used out of the backfield;
- Fairchild needs to work on his route-running skills as he tends to round off his routes;
- He is shorter than the average height of an NFL tight end.
NFL Comparison: Jonnu Smith
Teams With Need At Position: Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Chargers, Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins
Projection: Round 4
Bottom Line on Mason Fairchild
Mason Fairchild is an excellent tight end who plays with great fundamentals. He has good fluidity for his position and can threaten the defense down the middle and underneath. His athleticism is evident, and he can track the ball well on all three levels of the field.
As a ball carrier, Fairchild is a physical player who looks to deliver punishment after the catch. He naturally plays low in his pads, allowing him to explode from his breaks. His hips are very fluid, particularly for a player weighing 260 lbs, enabling him to create separation quickly. Despite not having elite top-end speed, his long stride and quick foot speed allow him to quickly cover a lot of ground.
The NFL will recognize Fairchild’s talent, and he will test better at the combine than many expect. As a result, he will rise up draft boards. At worst, he is an excellent foundation from which to build a versatile tight end.
Main Image: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
