When looking at the Jets’ current roster, one notable gap appears: aside from standout Garrett Wilson, who are the other receivers? The team boasts a mix of veterans, such as Allen Lazard, Josh Reynolds, and Tyler Johnson, along with some lesser-known talents like Malachi Corey, Xavier Gipson, and fourth-round selection Arian Smith.
This raises an interesting thought—perhaps the second receiver might be something different altogether.
That’s where Mason Taylor, the tight end drafted in the second round from LSU, enters the scene.
From what we’ve seen so far in rookie minicamp, he looks promising and is likely to become the starting tight end this fall.
Taylor leaves LSU as its top receiver with impressive stats: 129 receptions, 1,308 yards, and six touchdowns.
Jets’ coach Aaron Glenn shared that he has a “clear vision” for how Taylor will fit into the offense.
“Mason is exactly who we thought,” Glenn noted over the weekend. “He has dynamic movements and really knows how to catch the ball, doing a solid job of receiving away from his body.”
Taylor certainly carries a notable pedigree.
His father, Jason, had a year with the Jets and is recognized for his lengthy career with the Dolphins, while his uncle, Zach Thomas, is also a Hall of Fame linebacker for the Dolphins.
“Of course, there’s a lot of expectation that comes with my last name,” Taylor remarked. “But I embrace it. We’re family, my uncle Zach and I.” He continued, “I really look up to them and aim to follow in their footsteps. It’s about hard work and staying consistent in this league.”
How much Taylor will contribute to the Jets remains to be seen.
New offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, who recently came from the Lions, also brings fresh strategies. Last season, Detroit’s tight end Samra Porta was targeted 83 times, ranking sixth among NFL tight ends.
New quarterback Justin Fields has a history of connecting well with tight ends. It seems Taylor might just become a primary target given his prior success with Cole Kmet at Chicago.
Taylor himself believes there’s significant potential for further development post-college.
Given the talent that surrounded him at LSU, it’s easy to see why he didn’t always take center stage.
“I can’t really say my stats would have been better without them,” Taylor stated. “Playing alongside guys like Malik, BT, and Kairen was an incredible experience that undoubtedly enriched my game on the field.”
