On Thursday night, the Jets fortified their offensive line by selecting right tackle Armand Membou at No. 7 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
A day later, the Jets added a pass-catching weapon for quarterback Justin Fields.
At No. 42 overall, the Jets selected LSU tight end Mason Taylor. After Tyler Conklin departed in free agency, the tight end position was a significant need for the Jets, and Taylor should come in and be an immediate contributor offensively.
Taylor was the most productive tight end in LSU history, with 129 receptions for 1,308 yards and six touchdowns during his three seasons in Baton Rouge. The 6-4, 250-pounder was a massive part of the Tigers’ offense dating back to his freshman season.
In 2022, Taylor started 13 games as a rookie and registered 38 catches for 414 yards and three touchdowns, catching passes from now-Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. In his final season at LSU, Taylor finished with 55 catches, which set the LSU single-season record for a tight end. He also had 546 yards and two touchdowns.
Taylor has NFL bloodlines, being the son of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor and nephew of Hall of Famer Zach Thomas. He is also a fluid route runner who knows how to exploit holes in zone defenses due to his high IQ.
In addition to his large frame, Taylor is a smooth route runner who can regularly get separation from defenders. He also has soft hands, which aid him when attacking the ball in coverage and when he jumps to receive it at its highest point.
Taylor needs to improve his blocking. However, he can add strength and work on his techniques at the next level.
Overall, Taylor, along with Jeremy Ruckert, should provide Fields with a security blanket during passing situations. He isn’t as polished as Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland, who went before him, but Taylor should be an above-average starting tight end in the NFL.
