The 2026 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Hezekiah Masses NFL Draft Profile.
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Position: Cornerback
School: California
Size: 6-foot 5/8, 179 pounds
Class: Senior
2025 stats: 47 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 5 interceptions, 13 passes defended
Masses was a two-star recruit in the class of 2022 who decided to stay in-state to play for Florida International. He played a decent amount as a freshman, registering 25 tackles and four passes defended. The team struggled to four wins. Masses started the whole season in 2023, as he produced 42 tackles, one interception and four passes defended. FIU only won four games again. In 2024, he had 38 total tackles and four passes defended, but FIU stayed at four wins. He transferred to Cal for the 2025 season. For the year, he had 47 total tackles, five interceptions and 13 passes defended. He led Cal to seven wins on the year.
Following the season, Masses has been preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft. He is currently projected to be a mid-round pick.
Masses really developed his ball skills over his college career. He didn’t have crazy on-ball production at FIU, but had 13 passes defended and four interceptions at Cal. Masses shows the ability to use his eyes well and then can attack the catch point. He tracks the ball well in the air, but can turn his head sooner to improve even more.
He is better at zone coverage at this point than man. Masses has solid length to help him in zone. He uses his eyes well, keeping good balance between opposing quarterbacks and his man. His zones at all levels of the defense have been successful, as keeping his eyes forward seems to be when he is the most comfortable.
While he can struggle with short-area explosiveness, Masses has good long speed. He will be able to run with receivers downfield and stay in a solid position. When dropping into deeper zones, Masses can do a good job of reacting and matching the receivers step for step to the deep parts of the field.
Masses needs to fill out his frame more to help his play strength. He measured in at under 6-foot-1 and 179 pounds at the NFL Combine. While he has good length to help, he needs more play strength to help his game. Masses can shed blocks better and match up with bigger receivers better with added strengths.
He won’t help a team’s run defense very much. Masses could show more aggression in getting off blocks and going after the football. He can struggle to shed and get through traffic, which limits his opportunities to make tackles. He can also improve his tackling to finish plays better.
Right now, he is a much better zone corner. His man-to-man coverage can stick with receivers early in plays, but as they make their breaks in routes, he can struggle to keep up and gives them separation. He will be best suited for a team that plays more zone than man.
Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick
Draft Grade: Fourth Round Pick
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