Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Profile- Mason McCormick

Name- Mason McCormick

Position- Guard

Height- 6’5”

Weight- 312 lbs

Team- South Dakota State

Drafted- 4th round pick (119th pick by Steelers)

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected guard Mason McCormick out of South Dakota State in the 4th round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Mason McCormick’s story began as a zero-star recruit out of Roosevelt High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. From there, McCormick embarked on an illustrious career for the SDSU Jackrabbits that culminated in two national championships, an All-American nod, and a three-time captainship. The former zero-star recruit proved every major recruiting service wrong and looks to continue to do so in the NFL.

"We obviously loved him," said Steelers offensive line coach Pat Meyer. "He comes from a smaller school, but the kid is tough. He plays football the right way. He wanted to be a Steeler, I know that just talking to him, working the kid out. We are excited to have him. We are going to have him penciled in at the guard position. He will come in and compete from day one.”

McCormick put on a show at the combine after many labeled him as not very athletic. He ran a 5.08 in the 40 yard dash, an above average time for an offensive lineman that is 6’5” and 312 lbs.

The Steelers added to their offensive line with a guy who plays the game hard and is considered mean on the field, but very pleasant off of it. McCormick himself agreed with that, knowing on the field and off the field are two separate things.

"I think on the field there is only one way to play this game," said McCormick. "When you are off the field, there is no reason not to be a good person and nice to people.”

Mccormick does not have to step right in and play and should be a nice depth piece in year one. With veterans James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo both heading towards free agency in 2025 and 2026 respectively, the Steelers can let McCormick grow and learn the system.

Here is a look at Draft Nation’s scouting report on Mason McCormick:

Strengths

• Strong Hands
• Play Strength
• Leadership
• Plays with an edge

The first trait that stands out when watching Mason McCormick’s film is the raw power he plays with. A man amongst boys at the FCS level, the All-American lineman displays a powerful lower body and significant torquing ability that resulted in several “highlight reel” blocks. He has an impressive knack for identifying and picking up different stunts and blitzes and does a nice job of keeping his head on a swivel to see where potential rushers could loop in from. He stays poised and disciplined when a rusher leaves his immediate lane and has the ability to counter and stay with his man or trade off to pick up his correct assignment. 

Weaknesses

• Pass Blocking
• Pulling

He is an excellent run blocker but he is still finding his way as a pass blocker. He has effective strength but could still add 20-25 lbs on his 6’5” frame to help with the power of NFL players. He gets sloppy with his footwork at times and can be too stiff and upright when pulling. All things that can be fixed in time.