Shaq Mason is one of the New England Patriots' most anonymous stalwarts.

The fourth-year pro has played in 60 of 64 possible regular season games since he was drafted, and started all 30 games in which he's appeared since kickoff of the 2017 season. Interior offensive linemen are always easily overlooked, but it's obvious given Mason's availability and consistency that he's been a key cog for New England dating back to his sophomore season.

And as this eye-popping Pro Football Focus stat suggests, there's an argument to be made that he's the Patriots' best player, too.

Article Continues Below
More New England Patriots News
Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium.
Patriots rumors: Mike Florio examines ‘complicated’ Stefon Diggs cut scenarioBen Strauss ·
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel (center) with Eastern Washington receiver Efton Chism III (left) and Patriots cornerback Kobee Minor (right)
3 New England Patriots hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowJaren Kawada ·
Oct 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) walks towards the sideline before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Patriots rumors: Stefon Diggs being cut ‘on the table’ amid viral videoMike Gianakos ·
Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) warms up prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Stefon Diggs’ future hinges on truth over boat party says Albert BreerJake Faigus ·
New England Patriots guard Cole Strange (69) defends against Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Neil Farrell Jr. (93) at Allegiant Stadium.
Patriots rumors: Controversial 1st-Round pick on chopping block to be cutConor Roche ·
New England Patriots center David Andrews (60) watches from the sideline during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium.
2-time Super Bowl champion retires after 10 seasons with PatriotsConor Roche ·

Pro Football Focus rated Mason as the best right guard in football last season by a significant margin. His top-ranked grade of 85.0 is 6.4 points better than that of the second-ranked right guard in the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys' Zack Martin. More telling, the discrepancy between Martin and the league's fifth-rated guard is also 6.4 points, indicative of how much taller Mason stood above other elite players at his position in 2018.

His performance surely came as no surprise to New England, which made Mason one of the highest-paid guards in the NFL last August by signing him to a five-year, $50 million contract extension.

Mason's overall grade last season ranked fifth among all offensive linemen, according to PFF. The Georgia Tech product was especially effective in the run game, ranking first among guards in run-blocking blocking grade. He was no slouch in pass protection, either, rating top-15 as a pass-blocker at his position and allowing just one sack.

New England's sustained excellence and team-first culture can make it hard for some standout players not named Tom Brady to receive proper credit for their play. Mason, clearly, is one of them.