Jets Rookie Gets Rave Review From Rival Coach

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 1:49 PM ET

The New York Jets needed a boost at the tight end position, and that led the franchise to draft LSU stud Mason Taylor in the second round.

Coming to a tight end room with Jeremy Ruckert and Stone Smartt, Taylor has every chance to be the Week 1 starter if he can prove he is up to the task.

More known for his blocking than pass-catching ability, Taylor has all the tools that Aaron Glenn is looking for, and with the Jets wanting to be a run-first football team, there is a place on the field waiting for Taylor...if he's good enough.

For ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, he spoke to an anonymous NFC offensive coach, who had a glowing endorsement for Taylor.

"Jets selecting TE Mason Taylor at No. 42: 'He's (expletive) awesome," the offensive coach said . "He was my No. 2 tight end (behind Chicago's Colston Loveland). He's athletic, he's young (21), and he's got upside in the passing game."

So, hopes are high for what Taylor can do in his rookie season.

Mason has already been seen catching touchdown passes from Justin Fields at OTAs and minicamp, so it appears he is settling in quite well to Tanner Engstrand's offense.

Yes, it's against the air, but Mason is showing the potential to not only be a good blocker for the offense but to be a genuine passing option for Fields.

With only Garrett Wilson seen as a genuine threat, having Taylor working the underneath routes to help keep the chains moving could be the ace up Engstrand's sleeve.

Once training camp begins, we will be able to truly evaluate Taylor as a member of this offense, but one NFC coach already seems sold.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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