It’s not often an undrafted free-agent offensive lineman becomes one of the more popular players in training camp. That’s what happened with Mason Brooks and the Washington Commanders.
After four years at Western Kentucky, Brooks wanted to test his talents in the SEC, using his final season of eligibility to play at Ole Miss in 2022. In a college career where he played guard and tackle, Brooks was an intriguing option in April’s NFL draft.
While Brooks wasn’t drafted, the Commanders gave him one of the largest signing bonuses for an undrafted free agent.
Why was Brooks so popular with Washington fans?
First, let’s start with the obvious. Fans are so hungry for offensive linemen that Brooks became a popular name. Secondly, when Brooks bested second-year defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis twice in drills during training camp, the word made rounds on social media.
Watching 1 on 1 line drills.
UDFA guard Mason Brooks beat Phidarian Mathis with such aplomb that Juan Castillo started jumping for joy.
The other players immediately called for a rematch.
Brooks put Mathis on the ground.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) August 1, 2023
Still, Brooks had some work to do to make Washington’s 53-man roster. In Saturday’s preseason finale against the Bengals, Brooks displayed some of that toughness and nastiness on more than one occasion.
Mason Brooks (RG), is a BULLY! pic.twitter.com/OiXxIVr1y0
— Mark Tyler(Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) August 27, 2023
When quarterback Jake Fromm was hit out of bounds at one point in Saturday’s game, Brooks was on the scene to defend his quarterback. Those things matter.
After Saturday’s game, Brooks was asked about making Washington’s roster.
“I’m sure it’s going to be hectic,” Brooks said of cutdown day. “At this point, you know, I guess the hay is kind of in the barn, and there’s not much more I can do. Just kinda have to let go, let God, and just see where the chips fall. Worked my hardest every day, every game, every opportunity I got, and now I just got to see what happens.”
The fashionable Mason Brooks on waiting to hear about roster cuts… pic.twitter.com/xziaOAElMa
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) August 27, 2023
Brooks made the most of his opportunities, but unfortunately for him, the Commanders need more help at offensive tackle. It seems almost a certainty that if cut, Brooks would land on Washington’s practice squad if he isn’t claimed by another team.