Tre

Mason

It’s the right call for a player whose stock will never be higher. A finalist for the Heisman Trophy, Mason finished the season on an absolute tear, rushing 109 times for 663 yards and six touchdowns during Auburn’s season-ending, three-game gauntlet of Alabama, Missouri and Florida State. Per Mason, he was given a third-round grade by the NFL’s Draft Advisory Board. Rotoworld’s Josh Norris loves Mason’s ability to shed first contact and lean forward for extra yards.

These times are going to help his draft stock. Mason measured in at 5-foot-9, 207 earlier in the week, and had a 38 1/2-inch vertical. If his NFL running backs coach can get Mason to run with more decisiveness around the line of scrimmage, he’ll offer big-time running potential with light feet and lateral agility. Mason also has a very long way to go in pass protection, however, as noted by Mike Mayock on NFL Network’s Sunday telecast.

His college listing was 5-foot-10, 205. Mason has a big name, light feet, and plus lateral agility, but demonstrated a tendency to dance in the backfield at Auburn and was not an explosive up-field runner. He also has a long way to go as a pass protector. Mason projects as a borderline day-two pick.

Mason was arrested for among other things resisting arrest and possession of cannabis in March. He missed his original court date for the infractions, but he pled not guilty in April. He was held out of OTAs for “personal reasons.” With Mason’s status up in the air, the Rams are very thin behind starter Todd Gurley and passing-down back Benny Cunningham.

Mason is currently on the reserve/did not report list and isn’t taking up a spot on the 90-man roster. He’s dealing with some serious mental-health issues and has had several run-ins with police since the end of last season. The Rams have tried to get in contact with Mason but those efforts haven’t resulted in a connection. Mason’s family is also concerned about his health.

Mason has been dealing with multiple off-field issues. He could be released when he reports to training camp.

Both players are dealing with legal issues. Mason was arrested in March on misdemeanor drug and traffic charges. He has already pled not guilty. McDonald was picked up in May on suspicion of driving under the influence. His court date was scheduled for Friday, but it is expected to be rescheduled. Both players should be back for training camp at the latest. Mason might need a strong showing there to keep his roster spot.

Mason has been involved with the police on five separate occasions over the past four months. The most recent incident occurred on Saturday when multiple units were called to Mason’s home in the middle of the afternoon. Mason was not arrested, but it has become clear he is struggling. Hopefully he can get the help he needs. Rams coach Jeff Fisher has already conceded there is a good chance Mason is “not going to be” with the team in the near future.

“Tre is not himself at all,” his mother told police when he was arrested in late July. “He’s not making good decisions.” Mason’s mother says his mental health took a turn for the worst after last season. “Clearly, we could see the change,” she said. “Like, completely.” It’s a scary story. The Rams haven’t talked to Mason since their move to Los Angeles.

Mason’s bizarre offseason continues. Police were alerted that Mason was driving an ATV erratically in a public park. Mason, who was not wearing a helmet or any eye protection, soon led officers on a lengthy chase and locked himself in his home when police followed him to his house. After a long standoff, a family member eventually convinced Mason to come outside. This is Mason’s sixth run-in with police in the last few months. He’s currently on the Rams’ reserve/DNR list and has likely played his last game for Los Angeles.