2022 NFL DRAFT PROSPECT REPORT
- Name: Cade Mays
- Position: Interior Offensive Lineman
- School: Tennessee
- Height: 6'5"
- Weight: 325lbs
Film Watched: Missouri 2021, South Carolina 2021, Auburn 2020
Pro's:
- Nasty offensive lineman with guard/center versatility at the next level
- Played all five spots on the offensive line in his collegiate career (Georgia, Tennessee)
- Aggressive on every play, with a real determination to put his opponent into the ground
- Powerful upper body that is as wide as it is tall – a real handful at the point of attack
- Brutal strength through his hands; a discernible ‘thud’ when he strikes a defender’s pads
- Stout anchor; keeps his pads square to the bullrush and absorbs the contact
- Composed and patient; waits for the contact to come – much less instances of reaching in 2021
Con's:
- Experience at tackle but lacks the real mobility to play on the outside in the NFL
- Stiff hipped and a noted struggle to change direction at velocity – vulnerable to being set up for inside-out moves
- Play strength drops off when trying to redirect rushes at full extension
- Pad height creeps up on him as the game progresses
- Tardy with his hand strikes; you’d like to see more attention to placement
The Verdict:
“Cade Mays has had quite the career; somewhat compelled to leave Georgia after a family lawsuit against the university, Mays found a new home in the SEC with Tennessee. Perhaps never quite living up to the unreasonable hype, Mays has been a four-year starter in the toughest conference in college football and has valuable experience at every position along the line. Despite his decent length, Mays does his best work in confined spaces where the need to move decreases and the physicality ramps up. He could very well be a center at the next level, but it’s at guard where Mays has the best tape. Suited to a power run offense, Mays looked more polished in 2021 and it’s fair to assume there’s still some growth in him. An immediate versatile backup with starter potential, Mays feels like a value day three pick.”
Simon Carroll
Head Of NFL Draft Content
PREDICTION: 5TH ROUND PICK
5/5