Ravens release rookie fullback Ben Mason

His release marks the second 2021 draft pick to not make it the team.

Less than a week after shipping rookie cornerback Shaun Wade to the New England Patriots in exchange for a pair of draft picks, the Baltimore Ravens have moved on from another member of their 2021 draft class —

Both Mason (No. 184 overall) and Wade (No. 160 overall) were selected with one of the team’s three picks in the fifth round back in early May, leaving outside linebacker Daelin Hayes as the last man left standing following the final cutdown deadline.

The selection of Wade was viewed as a low-risk, high-reward move considering how highly touted he was prior to his final year at Ohio State. However, drafting Mason with their final pick in the draft was perplexing for many fans and pundits considering other pressing needs on the roster and the fact that they had a two-time Pro Bowl fullback in Patrick Ricard already on the team.

Some called it a classic “John Harbaugh’s Ravens” pick. Others speculated that it was a proactive acquisition to cut costs next offseason when Ricard’s current contract is set to expire. Mason wasn’t a bright standout in training camp or the preseason but did have some nice moments. He even carried the ball five times for 13 yards in the preseason record-breaking win over the Washington Football Team.

Since most teams in the league don’t value or utilize the fullback position, he’s likely a prime candidate to be brought back on the practice squad if and when he clears waivers.