Weaknesses:
Summary: Massie has quietly moved up draft boards throughout the draft process. He had a decent Combine and followed that up with an excellent Pro Day. He is a physical tackle who is a natural fit on the right side. Some think that Massie has the athleticism to move to left tackle over time, but if he stays at right tackle, he could turn into a dominant starter.
Massie broke into the starting lineup during his freshman year. He was the starter at right tackle in his sophomore and junior seasons before deciding to skip his senior campaign. Massie started 27 straight games dating back to his freshman season. There were stretches where he simply overwhelmed defenders.
Massie was a devastating run blocker for Ole Miss. He routinely rode defensive linemen out of the play and planted defenders on the ground. The Rebels had success running behind him (i.e. the right side of their offensive line).
Massie played well against LSU, but did not have his best performance against Alabama. He struggled with the Crimson Tide’s Courtney Upshaw. That outing indicates what Massie needs to improve on in the NFL. He is going to need to improve on his pass protection for the NFL, especially against 3-4 teams that challenge tackles with dangerous edge rushers.
Massie does well stopping bull rushes, and he has the athletic ability to mirror well in pass blocking. He just needs to improve his technique. His feet are quick enough to mirror, but sometimes he gets caught lunging. There is no reason to think that Massie can’t get better as he is very quick and athletic. If Massie lands with quality coaching, he should be a sound pass protector in the NFL.
Scheme versatility helps Massie’s draft stock as he should have the flexibility to be a tackle in both a zone-blocking and a power-man scheme. Massie should be a starter at right tackle early in his NFL career. He has a high ceiling and it wouldn’t be surprising to this observer if he develops into a Pro Bowl right tackle. He could be a surprise first-round pick and shouldn’t last long in the second round, if still available.
Player Comparison: Michael Oher. Massie reminds me of a slightly lesser version of Oher (another former Rebel). He isn’t quite as powerful or quick as Oher, but Massie’s game looks similar to Oher’s. Massie won’t get drafted as high as Oher did. Oher (6-4, 313) was the 23rd-overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. Massie will probably go in the top-50 picks. They have a similar skill set, and like Oher, Massie could be better off in the NFL at right tackle.
NFL Matches: Houston, New York Giants, Cleveland, Miami, New York Jets, Pittsburgh
If Massie were to sneak into the first round, the top candidates that could consider him are the Texans and Giants. They both have a need at tackle and he would fit either offense well.
In the second round, Massie has a good shot to go to the Browns or Dolphins. Both have huge holes at right tackle and he would be an instant upgrade. If Massie goes lower in the second round, he could be a good pick for the Jets, as they need an upgrade over Wayne Hunter. The Steelers also could consider Massie if he falls into the lower portion of the second round.
Massie has taken pre-draft visits to the Dolphins, Jets and Steelers.
RELATED LINKS:
2012 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2012 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2012 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
2024 NFL Mock Draft - April 16
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22
Fantasy Football Rankings - Feb. 19
NFL Picks - Feb. 12
