The 2025 NFL Draft has given the Jets a lot of useful talent who can break out, especially from their second-round pick. Two weeks ago, 257 new players joined the league in their annual draft. Among them are the seven members who make up the New York Jets class. Before the weekend, the team had two significant holes on offense. Primarily at both tight end and right tackle. While Armand Membou can become an immediate starter to round out the offensive line, there’s someone who can be just as important. During the second round, the team filled their need at tight end with a big-bodied playmaker from LSU. This Jets second-round pick is entering a great situation for a developing tight end. Although there are multiple additional benefits, here are three significant factors as to why Mason Taylor can contribute early for the Jets.
3 Reasons to Buy In This Jets 2nd Round Pick’s Breakout
Entering the 2025 season, the New York Jets required a metamorphosis. Gone is the headline-ridden and disastrous close to the Aaron Rodgers and Robert Salah chapter, and needed fresh air in the building. They hope that fan favorite Aaron Glenn can bring that same work ethic that got him to two Pro Bowls as a cornerback back into the organization. Under the leadership of Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey, they want to charter a new course. The draft gave them some useful talent to help achieve this. After adding a premier right tackle in Armand Membou and a future starting cornerback in the third round, the draft was a great start. However, tight end Mason Taylor might wind up the cream of the crop.
1. Coaching Staff’s history of developing tight ends
Selecting Mason Taylor was a great decision by the team. Ignoring his father‘s and uncle‘s Hall of Fame achievements, Mason Taylor has the makings of a great tight end. Last season, Taylor set the LSU season record for most catches by a tight end with 55 catches. Along with 546 yards and two touchdowns. Taylor’s combination of size, speed, and catch radius has the opportunity to become a featured target on offense. Fortunately for him, he’s got a coaching staff that has seen great tight ends up close in practice.
During his time in Detroit, Aaron Glenn had to practice against Pro Bowl tight ends T.J. Hockenson and Sam LaPorta during his tenure as defensive coordinator. Along with former Lions tight ends coach/passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand, now at offensive coordinator, the duo should help Mason Taylor get to a fast start in his career. Especially with the targets that Sam LaPorta had to begin his career. (120 targets in 2023 & 83 in 2024)
2. New quarterback Justin Fields helped elevate Cole Kmet in Chicago
To begin the Aaron Glenn era, the new head coach and his general manager asserted their vision and moved on from Aaron Rodgers. Looking to get younger and more athletic, the team signed 27-year-old Justin Fields. Having been benched in favor of Russell Wilson in Pittsburgh, the Jets are looking at Fields to add a spark. His arrival couldn’t be more convenient for Taylor. During his tenure with the Bears, Justin Fields frequently targeted Cole Kmet in Chicago. Over his three seasons as a starter, Fields targeted the tight end over 90 times twice a season. While mainly as a necessity due to the state of the wide receiver room, Kmet became an important part of the offense. As a result, Taylor may finish with close to 60 catches this year.
3. Limited Competition for targets after Garrett Wilson
Among the best wide receivers in the league, expect Garrett Wilson to continue to get the ball. However, outside of him, the wide receiver room is limited in impact talent. Outside of a breakout season from Malachi Corley, New York will also rely on Allen Lazard and newly signed Josh Reynolds and Tyler Johnson early. Although Breece Hall & Braelon Allen will both get the ball in their hands as well. One of the better receiving backs in the league, Hall has over 55+ receptions in the last two seasons, including 57 last year for 487 yards. To get the most production out of this offense, he needs to be utilized as a receiving back.
With that in mind, it’s no secret that Mason Taylor will be heavily involved in the passing game. Especially with New York’s desire to run the ball more, they need more balance on offense. They won’t be in the top two in pass attempts like last year. So they need to make the most out of their throws this time. Allowing Taylor the freedom to get the ball in the middle of the field can create easier opportunities on the boundary for Wilson and Lazard. If health doesn’t come in the way, we can see a similar impact from Mason Taylor that is witnessed with Brock Bowers in Las Vegas. Or George Kittle in San Francisco. Even Dallas Goedert in Philadelphia.
Main Photo: [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun] – USA Today Sports
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