What are reasonable expectations for Jets TE Mason Taylor's rookie season?
The New York Jets selected tight end Mason Taylor with the No. 42 overall selection in the second round of the 2025 NFL draft. Taylor projects as an immediate difference maker in Tanner Engstrand's offense.
Tight end is typically among the most difficult positions when transitioning from college to the pros, but we've witnessed a historic amount of success in recent seasons. Sam LaPorta rewrote the record books in 2023 when he recorded 86 receptions for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie. Brock Bowers exceeded that in 2024, setting NFL records for receptions (112) and receiving yards (1,194) by a tight end in a rookie season.
It would be unfair to expect Taylor to reach those heights, but he should be heavily involved in Engstand's passing attack. The Jets lack a clear-cut No. 2 receiver behind Garrett Wilson. It's well within the realm of possibility that Taylor is effectively Justin Fields' second-most targeted pass catcher.
Taylor displayed athleticism at the NFL Combine. The former LSU standout ran the 40-yard dash in 4.65 seconds. Taylor also posted 28 reps on the bench press, and ran a 7.06 three-cone. The Plantation, Florida native recorded 55 receptions for 546 yards and two touchdowns for the Tigers this past season.
The Jets drafted Taylor with a premium second-round selection to upgrade their passing attack. He'll immediately be their TE1, easily leapfrogging Jeremy Ruckert on the depth chart. Expectations should be fairly high for Taylor's rookie campaign.
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