DENTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 28: North Texas Mean Green quarterback Mason Fine (6) looks downfield for an open receiver during the game between the North Texas Mean Green and the Houston Cougars on September 28, 2019 at Apogee Stadium in Denton, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The series follows 2020 draft prospects who are either from smaller football programs or are being overlooked in the draft process.

Overview:

Mason Fine has probably been the most talked about D1 prospect from a non-power 5 program this season.

I had heard a lot of hype surrounding Fine earlier in the season but I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started evaluating his tape. Fine set state records while in high school but only ended up with one division 1 offer from the University of North Texas. After four seasons as the starting quarterback, Fine can now move forward with the all-time leading passer in North Texas’ program history achievement under his belt.

Fine finished his collegiate career with over 12,500 yards, 93 touchdowns, 34 interceptions, and a 140.7 passer efficiency rating.

Positives:

Throws with minimal effort. Has great zip on the ball. Has significant dip and loop throwing motion but it doesn’t seem to effect ball velocity or his timing of release.

Great anticipation, especially with hitch routes.

Good pocket awareness and poise. Stays patient and focuses on progressions even with pocket collapsing.

Can maneuver around the pocket and extend plays on his feet. Slides to avoid the hit.

Negatives:

Smaller size than typical NFL QB.

Stands with left foot forward. Should stand with right foot forward instead to allow hips to open up quickly.

Locks onto 1st read too often and misses out on open receiver on opposite side of field.

Deflected passes at line of scrimmage because of height.

Struggles to fit ball into tight windows.

Analysis:

Mason Fine is a very intriguing draft prospect. He has a strong arm, good intangibles, and gets rid of the ball quickly. His size is probably his biggest concern at this point aside from not playing in a power-5 program but the rest of his flaws are all very coachable. Every year there seems to be at least one quarterback prospect who proves that height doesn’t matter. And it very well might not as much in today’s game but Fine has a very small frame at 5’11 and 190 pounds.

At this point, Fine will likely go undrafted in 2020 but I wouldn’t be surprised if someone picks him up in the 7th round.

*This report will continue to be updated during the draft process.

Karley Sibert Karley has been a sportswriter since 2016, having covered the Seattle Seahawks for Last Word on Pro Football and Fansided. She is currently pursuing an online Mass Communications degree at Arizona State University. See author's posts

Like this: Like Loading...

Check this out