When the New York Jets badly needed a tight end in the 2025 draft, nobody batted an eye when they selected Mason Taylor in the second round. The son of Hall-of-Fame edge rusher Jason Taylor, Mason held most receiving records for a tight end at LSU.

During his rookie season, Taylor also led the Jets’ passing offense in receptions (44) and tied for seventh among all tight ends in contested catches (11)—not bad for a rookie.

But New York felt more was needed at the position. In a surprise move, the Jets drafted Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq with the 16th overall selection in the 2026 NFL draft. Sadiq, a versatile offensive weapon, is expected to see the field early and often during his rookie campaign.

It’s unusual for an NFL team to draft two tight ends within the first two rounds of back-to-back drafts. Some fans believe it’s a sign of poor asset management from the Jets organization.

But New York’s new offensive staff believes the combination of Sadiq and Taylor will bring about a strategy that few teams will be able to stop.

Jets’ new tight end room

Speaking at Jets rookie camp last week, Sadiq understood that he has much to learn before he’s given a chance to prove his worth on gameday. At the same time, he believes the talent level in New York’s tight end room is among the best in the league.

Taylor remains a big part of that.

“He [Taylor] does a lot of things really well, whether it’s the run game or the pass game,” Sadiq said. “But I think the possibilities are endless. And even with Jeremy [Ruckert] in there, really, they (the coaches) can do whatever they want. And I think it’s pretty unique and pretty cool, and it kind of just opens it for everyone.”

It will be up to Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich to figure out a plan to use New York’s tight end duo to great effect. When he was the offensive coordinator with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2016 to 2018, Reich frequently relied on 12 personnel packages. It was a big reason why the Eagles were able to win Super Bowl LII.

Reich could have a similar plan for Taylor and Sadiq.

“Frank’s got a great vision for the player (Sadiq) and how we can use him in multiple ways and get in 12-personnel,” Jets general manager Darren Mougey said. “Do different things and just use him as another weapon and make it tough on the defense.”

New York needs any advantage it can get on offense. As modern defenses get more athletic but smaller, the need for tight ends who can both block and make plays in the passing game is more important than ever.

If the Jets can find roles for Sadiq and Taylor that maximize their skill sets as both blockers and receivers, bucking the trend at tight end might end up being New York’s most celebrated move of the offseason.