Mason Taylor, the New York Jets’ new tight end selected in the second round of the 2025 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL Draft, has quickly earned praise from running back Breece Hall for his impressive performance during training camp. Hall highlights Taylor’s unexpected tenacity in blocking, an area that could bolster the Jets’ offense as they move forward.
Mason Taylor’s Early Impact and LSU Record
During the 2024 college football season, Mason Taylor set a new single-season reception record for tight ends at LSU with 55 catches, demonstrating reliable hands and a strong presence in the passing game. His skill set comes at a critical time for the Jets, who lost star receiver Davante Adams to the Los Angeles Rams in the offseason and are seeking more depth in their pass-catching options. For context, Tyler Conklin led the team’s tight ends in 2024 with 51 receptions for 449 yards.
Mason Taylor, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, is notable for being the only tight end in LSU Tigers history to surpass both 100 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards during his collegiate career. He started in 12 games in 2024 but missed LSU’s Texas Bowl victory against Baylor.
Head Coach Aaron Glenn Highlights Taylor’s Blocking Ability
Jets head coach Aaron Glenn also commended Taylor’s play, particularly emphasizing his surprising effectiveness as a blocker. While Glenn expected Taylor’s receiving talents, he did not anticipate such a high level of performance in blocking during his initial camp sessions.
“I told you guys from the beginning, the thing that impresses me about him is his ability to block,” Glenn said. “So, the receiving skills — that doesn’t surprise me. His blocking, I know he can block, but I didn’t think he was going to be this good.” —Aaron Glenn, Head Coach
“So, I’m excited to see how he matures when it comes to camp and how we want to do things as far as that is concerned.” —Aaron Glenn, Head Coach
This strong blocking ability offers hope to Breece Hall, who struggled to find rushing lanes throughout the 2024 season, averaging only 4.2 yards per carry, the lowest in his NFL career, and scoring five touchdowns over 16 starts. As a team, the Jets ranked near the bottom in rushing yards per game with an average of 91.8 and were 24th overall in total offensive yards at 310.3 per game.
Breece Hall’s Enthusiasm for Taylor’s Progress
Breece Hall expressed his excitement about Taylor’s presence on the team, signaling optimism for how the rookie’s skills could support the Jets’ offensive evolution. Hall shared his enthusiasm on social media, shining a light on the positive energy Taylor brings to the camp environment.
“Yall see how lit I am for rook,” Hall tweeted on Wednesday. —Breece Hall, Running Back
Looking Ahead: The Potential Role of Mason Taylor
With Mason Taylor’s demonstrated ability to excel both as a receiver and a blocker, the Jets’ offense could see considerable improvement in their overall dynamic. His versatile skill set may help open up new opportunities for players like Hall and address some of the team’s challenges from the previous season, particularly in establishing a more effective rushing attack.
As the Jets continue their preparations for the 2025 season, Taylor’s growth during camp will be a key development to monitor, potentially shaping how the team balances its offensive strategies and adapts to the loss of key veterans.