Reporting from the Atlantic Health Jets Center in Florham Park, NJ—The New York Jets understood how important the tight end position was for them this offseason. This is especially apparent during the draft, as evidenced by the team’s second-round pick, LSU’s Mason Taylor.
Interestingly, the Jets’ new tight end understands the importance of the quarterback position and believes Justin Fields is one of the studs in the NFL.
Better yet, Taylor is excited to get going with his new quarterback.
“He’s (Fields) been awesome to see on TV so getting to play with him and I’ve just seen his contract you know they don’t pay bad players that type of money, so he’s a really good quarterback and I can’t wait to go work with him and work with the guys in New York,” Taylor said in his first media availability with the Jets. “It’s going to be awesome.”
When the Jets drafted Taylor with the 42nd overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, they knew they were solving a major hole on their roster.
Taylor is LSU’s all-time leader in receptions (129) and receiving yards (1,308) by a tight end over his career with the Tigers. He has a balanced approach to his game that makes him a good pass catcher and run blocker when needed.
New York needed a quality tight end who could grow with its current passing offense. Taylor, having experience as the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame EDGE rusher Jason Taylor—of the Rex Ryan era—was seen to have the pedigree to be an excellent player to target for the Jets.
The expectation for the future 21-year-old boils down to his new quarterback. Fields has targeted tight ends over 24% throughout his career, which is among the upper echelon at the position.
Because of his penchant for throwing to tight ends, New York’s need at the position was considered smart. With Taylor falling to them at 42, the organization was thrilled that they could find a starting caliber player to help Fields more in 2025.
As an athletic freak at the position, there’s reason to be excited for Taylor’s entrance to the Jets offense. They have a new play-caller in Tanner Engstrand, and an athletic quarterback to pair with the entire group.
If Taylor can help Fields reach his full potential, it will provide new insight into how lucky New York was to get the LSU star.
