Mason Taylor predicted to make immediate impact for NY Jets

Did the New York Jets find an immediate contributor in the second round of the 2025 NFL draft? If you ask ESPN’s Field Yates, the Jets found just that with tight end Mason Taylor.

On Monday, Yates projected the 2025 NFL rookie impact for non-first-round draft picks. Taylor ranked No. 7 among offensive players.

“The Jets’ hole at tight end was one of the most glaring position needs in the league entering the draft,” wrote Yates. “Their top returning player, Jeremy Ruckert, has zero touchdowns in three seasons. But Taylor is a pro-ready fix.

“He can hold his own as a blocker and has the ultrareliable hands necessary to work the middle of the field and provide a safety net for quarterback Justin Fields.”

Taylor, 21, arrived at LSU as a three-star prospect out of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and he quickly became a steady presence in the Tigers’ offense.

The 6-foot-5, 251-pound tight end played in 38 games over three seasons, totaling 129 receptions for 1,308 yards and six touchdowns. His most productive year came in 2024, when he recorded 546 yards and two touchdowns on 55 catches across 12 games.

Taylor is known for his pass-catching ability, large catch radius, and polished route-running skills. He has the size and versatility to line up both inline and in the slot, offering flexibility in how he can be used at the next level.

NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger compared the LSU product’s smooth route-running ability to that of ten-time Pro Bowler Travis Kelce.

Now, with the Jets, Taylor joins a tight-end group that lacks established production. The unit, which includes Jeremy Ruckert, Stone Smartt, Neal Johnson, and Zack Kuntz, has combined for fewer than 650 receiving yards over the past three seasons.

Given the thin depth chart, Taylor will have a legitimate opportunity to contribute immediately in New York.

If Jets X-Factor’s recent projection on his production comes to fruition, the New York Jets will be pleased.