Talented LSU Tigers NFL Draft prospect's 'dream scenario' may be following in his father's footsteps to begin his pro career

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated Apr 21, 2025 12:52 AM ET

Mason Taylor has been a fan favorite in recent seasons for the LSU Tigers. Now, he is prepping to be an early selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Where could Taylor be selected? What team may be able to best use his services early and often in his pro career?

Mason Taylor's best fit in the NFL

Matt Bowen recently described some of his beliefs for best fits for prospects in this year's class and NFL teams. Taylor's landing spot is intriguing for a number of reasons.

TE Mason Taylor to the Jets

Where New York could get him: Pick No. 42

Tanner Engstrand, the Jets new offensive coordinator, was previously the pass game coordinator with the Lions. That's relevant because I believe Taylor can be schemed in the route tree just like Sam LaPorta has been schemed up in Detroit. Taylor has the three-level ability to run the deep corners and seams, and Engstrand could get him loose on crossers and boot concepts. Taylor -- who had 546 receiving yards last season -- has strong hands and a wide catch radius, so he'd quickly develop into a reliable target for quarterback Justin Fields.

(And yes, this would mean Taylor would be playing for one of the three teams that his father, Jason, played for during his Hall of Fame career.)

Taylor may be a first-round pick, but if he falls to round two, the Jets are a realistic landing spot for him. They need a tight end, and Aaron Glenn's team may address their offensive line in round one.

Daniel Jeremiah on TE Mason Taylor:

"He's an emerging player. Everyone's comfortable with him. … I think he goes in the back half of [the 1st round]."
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) April 18, 2025

Mason's father, Jason, is a former NFL star and current Hall of Famer. He played for the New York Jets for part of his pro playing career.

Not to mention, his uncle, Zach Thomas, is a Pro Football Hall of Fame member, too. He's got ties to some elite talent.

"Yeah, just kind of having that insight, that inside scoop that many people aren't fortunate to have - So it was definitely a blessing but, I mean, my only memory when my dad was playing was messing around with my brother and sister in the suite or in the locker room tackling each other. So, I mean, not much memory there, but just having him in my supportive group and my team and my family of course being supportive of me throughout the whole way throughout ups and downs has been huge."

-- Mason Taylor via the Akron Beacon Journal

Only time will tell if Taylor lands with one of his father's former squads. Regardless, he is ready to carve out his own NFL legacy and be a great long-term piece for an offense.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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