The Jets’ wait for a star tight end continues.
Name an iconic New York Jets iconic tight-end, go on I dare you. Tough isn’t it?
The Jets have not been blessed with many superstar offensive players in recent decades, but the lack of quality tight ends is hard to ignore.
Here are just some the tight ends the Jets have rostered since 2010:
- Zack Kuntz
- Tyler Kroft
- Jeremy Ruckert
- Chris Herndon
- Kellen Davis
- Austin Seferian-Jenkins
- Daniel Brown
Hardly a ‘who’s who’ of the position.
This was a major area of need heading into the draft, and while many expected Tyler Warren to go early in round one to ‘Gang Green’, they waited until the second round to select Mason Taylor out of LSU.
Can Taylor make an impact in 2025?
Taylor has great stock, the son of hall of fame defensive-end Jason Taylor – himself a Jet in 2010 – and finished his college career as LSU’s all-time leader in catches (139) and yards (1,308) at the position.
As you would expect he showed reliable hands over that period as well catching 71% of his passes, whilst lining up in the slot on 56% of routes in 2024. All of this points to Taylor being a passing game weapon from day one for Aaron Glenn and his staff.
Looking at the way the Jets are shaping their roster on the offensive side of the ball, you would expect a run heavy game plan, so Taylor will have to do a lot of work blocking.
But if Justin Fields, Breece Hall and the rest of the running back room can get rolling the play-action game should open up – this is where we could see Taylor shine.
Considering the job the Detroit Lions did with Sam LaPorta, it is hard not to be excited about Taylor’s arrival. Tanner Engstrand ran the Lions passing game and is now the Jets offensive coordinator, another positive sign.
The Jets do not really have a clear number two receiver behind Garrett Wilson, but with the right development Taylor could finally be that tight end worth shouting about.
