The rumor that the Philadelphia Eagles are looking to trade veteran Dallas Goedert away is getting hotter and hotter as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches.
If that is the case, then it's highly possible that the Birds will be looking for his replacement, and they could find him in the son of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor.
According to NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah, LSU Tigers' Mason Taylor is a rising draft prospect who is projected to go off the draft board on the back end of Day 1.
"He's an emerging player. Everyone's comfortable with him. … I think he goes in the back half of [the 1st round]," Jeremiah said.
Daniel Jeremiah on TE Mason Taylor:
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) April 18, 2025
"He's an emerging player. Everyone's comfortable with him. … I think he goes in the back half of [the 1st round]."
That screams Taylor could be Philly's guy, considering the Eagles pick last on Day 1 of the draft.
The 6-foot-5 and 225-pound tight end from Plantation, Florida, brings a solid combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ to the table.
Over his three-year collegiate career, Taylor amassed 129 receptions for 1,308 yards and six touchdowns, which set a new benchmark for tight ends in Tigers history. Just this past season, Taylor recorded 55 receptions for 546 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 9.9 yards per catch.
Like Goedert, Taylor pairs his pass-catching talent with strong run-blocking ability, earning an impressive 81.7 run-blocking grade from PFF in 2024.
Here's what NFL Network's Lance Zierlein had to say about Taylor in his scouting report:
Ascending tight end with plus catch talent and Hall of Fame bloodlines. With just three seasons under Taylor’s belt, more growth is expected in both his game and frame. He’s a smooth athlete with adequate acceleration and the tools to become a more effective route runner in time. He feels defenders around him and catches with sudden hands and elevated focus when needed. He can handle blocking duties on the move or in space, but in-line action will be a challenge for him. His game needs polish, but Taylor has the ability to become a higher-volume target for a team looking to upgrade at the “F” tight end spot.
Depending on what happens with Goedert, Taylor could be an excellent replacement option on Day 1.
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