Did the New York Jets hit a home run by drafting tight end Mason Taylor in the second round of the 2025 NFL draft?
According to one veteran NFL offensive coach, the Jets’ selection of Taylor stands out as one of the top moves of the offseason.
In his latest article, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler polled league executives, scouts, and coaches on the best offseason decisions, and one veteran offensive coach called New York’s selection of Taylor at No. 42 overall “a steal.”
“He’s [Taylor] fu**ing awesome,” said a veteran NFL offensive coach, per Fowler. “He was my No. 2 tight end [behind Chicago’s Colston Loveland]. He’s athletic, he’s young (21), and he’s got upside in the passing game.”
Taylor, 21, entered LSU as an unheralded three-star recruit out of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but quickly carved out a key role in the Tigers’ passing attack.
The 6-foot-5, 251-pound tight end appeared in 38 games over three seasons, finishing his college career with 129 receptions for 1,308 yards and six touchdowns. His breakout campaign came in 2024, when he caught 55 passes for 546 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games.
Known for his soft hands, wide catch radius, and refined route running, Taylor offers positional versatility and can line up both in-line and in the slot. NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger even compared his route-running ability to perennial All-Pro Travis Kelce.
Taylor now steps into a Jets tight end room that has produced little in recent years. The group, featuring Jeremy Ruckert, Stone Smartt, Neal Johnson, and Zack Kuntz, has collectively accounted for one touchdown and fewer than 650 receiving yards over the last three seasons.
With limited competition for snaps, Taylor could see the field early and carve out a significant role in the Jets’ passing attack as a rookie.
