Did the New York Jets land their long-term No.1 tight end in the second round of this year’s NFL draft? If one film analyst is correct in his assessment, they sure have.
According to NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger, second-round pick Mason Taylor resembles Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, a 10-time Pro Bowler.
Appearing on “The Official Jets Podcast,” Baldinger praised the Jets’ selection of Taylor and compared his smooth route-running ability to Kelce.
“When you watch him [Taylor] run, there’s just not a lot of guys that are that big at 6-foot-5, 250 that are that smooth,” said Baldinger.
“Look, the production of Travis Kelce is off the charts, but he looks like Travis Kelce running,” the analyst added.
Taylor arrives in New York with a chance to contribute right away.
The former LSU tight end, who began his college career as a three-star prospect out of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, FL, spent three seasons with the Tigers. He appeared in 38 games, recording 129 catches for 1,308 yards and six touchdowns during his time in Baton Rouge.
Taylor’s best season came in 2024, when he hauled in 55 passes for 546 yards and two scores across 12 games. The 6-foot-5, 251-pound tight end is known for his reliable hands, route running, and ability to line up both inline and in the slot.
At just 20 years old, Taylor enters a Jets tight end room short on proven production. The group, which includes Jeremy Ruckert, Stone Smartt, Neal Johnson, and Zack Kuntz, has combined for fewer than 650 receiving yards over the past three seasons.
With limited competition and a skill set tailored to the modern NFL, Taylor will have an opportunity to carve out a significant role in the Jets’ offensive system.
Time will tell, but Mason Taylor’s arrival could mark a turning point for the New York Jets at the tight end position.
