Jets’ Mason Taylor is building a much better rookie year than you think

According to NFL Pro, Taylor has a catch rate over expected (CROE) of +31.2% across eight “tight window” targets (less than one yard of separation from the nearest defender). That’s the best mark among 32 tight ends with at least three tight window targets, which is quite impressive since Taylor’s eight tight window targets are the fifth-most.

In fact, if you include all positions, Taylor’s tight window CROE still ranks fourth-best among 90 players with at least five tight window targets, trailing three wide receivers.

1. WR Stefon Diggs, NE: +41.9% (10 targets)
2. WR Cooper Kupp, SEA: +36.6% (5 targets)
3. WR Kayshon Boutte, NE: +32.7% (11 targets)
4. TE Mason Taylor, NYJ: +31.2% (8 targets)
5. TE Trey McBride, ARI: +30.2% (10 targets)

Another noteworthy aspect of Taylor’s game is his ability to move the chains. Taylor hasn’t put up the gaudiest numbers in terms of yardage, as the Jets simply do not throw downfield, but that doesn’t mean he is gobbling up useless checkdowns. Taylor has been excellent at extending drives.

Taylor ranks seventh among tight ends with 18 receiving first downs. He’s shown a tremendous feel for the first down marker, often knowing exactly what he must do to get the required yardage.

Blocking progress

Coming out of LSU, Taylor was a highly appealing prospect as a pass catcher. The reason he didn’t go in the first round was his blocking. Taylor had the tools to develop into a quality NFL blocker, but his consistency was a work in progress.

In a run-first Jets offense, it was going to be important for Taylor to develop his blocking skills to get on the field early and often in his rookie year. He apparently impressed the coaches in that area, as he’s been starting and playing over 80% of the snaps since his NFL debut.

It’s been a rocky ride for Taylor as a blocker. However, the trial by fire seems to be paying off, as Taylor has steadily progressed since a poor start.

Through Week 3, Taylor had a 53.1 run-blocking grade at Pro Football Focus, ranking 60th out of 84 qualified tight ends. Over five games since then, he’s jumped to 66.2, placing 21st out of 92 qualifiers.

Pass protection remains an area of concern for Taylor. The Jets have relied on him a decent amount in that area, as he ranks 17th among tight ends with 24 pass-blocking reps, but the results have been poor. Taylor has allowed six total pressures, two more than any tight end. That includes two sacks.

Still, the more Taylor improves as a run blocker, the more invaluable he becomes for the Jets’ offense. He played above 93% of the Jets’ offensive snaps in two of the last three games after peaking at 88% through five games. It shows that the Jets are gaining confidence in his ability to handle any situation, run or pass.

Jets could have a top-tier TE brewing

It hasn’t shown in his box-score production (and that likely won’t change over the next nine games), but Taylor is flashing the makeup of a future star at tight end.

He’s getting open frequently enough to demand a high target share for a young tight end, securing an absurd percentage of his contested targets, consistently moving the chains, and improving as a run blocker.

As Jets fans watch Taylor develop over the next nine games, the key is to take their eyes off the box score. Taylor’s fantasy numbers might not get any better this year; that’s just the reality of playing with Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor. But if the rookie continues thriving in areas he can control, he will put himself on the verge of a true statistical breakout in 2026 when the Jets ideally add a new quarterback.

Taylor is still only 21 years old. Doing what he’s doing would be impressive for any rookie tight end, let alone at that age. The sky is the limit for No. 85.

Perhaps the Jets finally nailed it with a Day 2 pass catcher.