Jets go TE in Round 2 to land Taylor

The New York Jets selected LSU tight end Mason Taylor in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 42nd overall.

Taylor is the son of Hall of Fame defensive end Jason Taylor, who played one season for the Jets in 2010.

New York has been looking for a new starting tight end but opted to draft offensive tackle Armand Membou seventh overall Thursday. Taylor, 20, set a career high with 55 catches for 546 yards and two touchdowns in 2024.

Pre-draft profile

Taylor is the son of Jason Taylor and the nephew of Zach Thomas, a pair of Dolphins legends. It's no coincidence that he's an impressive athlete. The LSU product is a fluid mover for a player his size, and he's a quietly sound route-runner who can create some separation in coverage against linebackers. His ability to go over the top of defenders and win contested catches provides highlight-reel moments, and he's a tough runner with the ball. Taylor has the physical skills to contribute as an in-line blocker, but he may need to become more technically sound before being relied upon for regular work there. The pass-catching chops will allow Taylor to play as a move tight end in the meantime, though, giving him a path to have an instant impact at the next level.