Jets Second Generation Rookie Has Career Game in Miami

Jets Second-Generation Rookie Has Career Game in Miami

Entering the offseason, New York needed to address the tight end room after moving on from veteran Tyler Conklin. After Conklin signed with the Los Angeles Chargers , new head coach Aaron Glenn knew he needed to address the position in the draft. Before arriving in New York, Aaron Glenn saw the Detroit Lions succeed with the development of Sam LaPorta. After selecting standout right tackle Armand Membou , general manager Darren Mougey took the opportunity to select Taylor with the 42nd overall pick. Last year, Taylor set the school record for catches by a tight end. As a result, he began to be recognized for more than just his last name. Growing up, Mason Taylor was familiar with Miami Dolphins football. His father, Jason Taylor, the career leader in forced fumble returned touchdowns, played 13 seasons with the Dolphins. However, the former defensive end isn’t the only Hall of Famer in the family.

In fact, Jason’s former teammate, middle linebacker Zach Thomas, is Mason’s Uncle and was inducted in 2023. Of course, Aaron Glenn is familiar with both men during his many times facing the Dolphins during his playing career. But the initiative to take Taylor shows there’s no hard feelings between former rivals when it comes to talent. Especially if Mason Taylor can reach his potential with the Jets.

Mason Taylor Shines in First Game in Miami

Despite a high ankle sprain limiting his preseason, Mason Taylor is starting to put it together. Last week, Taylor caught four passes on six targets from backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor. While the Jets lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 29-27, it was the first multi-catch game of his career. Thankfully, the rookie tight end continued to make his presence known.

Even though he lost, Mason Taylor showed why he can be a long-term piece. In his first road division game, Taylor finished the night strong. Along with some needed blocking, Taylor highlighted his abilities as a receiver. On seven targets, the rookie caught five passes for 65 yards. As a result, Taylor finished with career highs in both catches and yards. Thus far, Taylor has 11 catches for 101 yards through four games.

Outside of Garrett Wilson, New York is looking for long-term options next to star wide receiver Garrett Wilson. Besides the success of Sam LaPorta, the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers are examples of how beneficial big receiving tight ends are to offenses. Just look at the impact Travis Kelce and George Kittle have had on their teams.

Taylor’s Development Crucial For The Regime

After going 0-4, it’s easy to say the New York Jets are a bad football team. Through four games, the defense has shown a lack of discipline and no consistency in pass coverage. Along with allowing over 130 yards per game. In addition, it’s unlikely Justin Fields does enough to remain next year if he can’t contain the ball. While it’s early in the season, most of the projected first-round quarterbacks’ draft stock took a hit.

New York will likely prioritize defense early in the draft and focus on quarterback down the road. This is a long way from a playoff team. However, success won’t come in the win column this year. Primarily, the goal of this season is to see who can remain beyond 2026. The regime desires to see who can join Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson, and Quinnen Williams as long-term pieces.

After witnessing the limitations of this quarterback class in 2026, New York can take a wide receiver to join Wilson if Taylor can succeed. Adding a player like Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson to pair with Garrett Wilson and Mason Taylor would be a third receiving target with upside. Perhaps the University of Tennessee’s Chris Brazzell II? Should New York wait til 2027 to draft a quarterback, they can at least provide a foundation on offense if Mason Taylor builds off games like this.