Well, talk about keeping it in the family feud, but Mason Taylor’s draft night fate just surprises everyone. The Jets just made a power move, drafting LSU tight end Mason Taylor with the 42nd pick. That’s right, the Mason Taylor – son of Dolphins legend Jason Taylor and nephew of Zach Thomas. He’s not only staying in the AFC East, but he’ll be playing against his family’s legacy. Brutal. But the Jets’ pick isn’t just a family twist; it’s also a major regret for Nick Saban, sending him on a guilt trip.

The Jets smartly passed on top tight ends in the first round, waiting until Day 2 to select a truly exceptional prospect. Despite needing a tight end, they didn’t reach, landing one of the draft’s best. Taylor boasts an impressive pedigree, stellar production, and a knack for big games. The Jets added a significant weapon; Nick Saban’s regret at letting him go after three seasons at LSU is surely palpable.

And transfer portal reporter Pete Nakos hits X with Nick Saban’s words, “Nick Saban on New York Jets draft pick and LSU tight end Mason Taylor: ‘This is the biggest recruiting mistake we ever made. This guy is the best tight end we had in camp. Here he beats us, knocks us out of the playoffs right here.'” Looks like now Nick Saban realizes what Mason Taylor is capable of. He further added to it and said, “You know, we bring the guy in, and we shuffle around on whether we’re going to offer him or not, and then he commits to LSU.”

No wonder Nick Saban made a big mistake passing on a player like him. In three seasons at LSU, Mason Taylor rewrote the record books as the program’s most productive tight end ever. The 6’4″, 250-pounder amassed 129 receptions for 1,308 yards and six touchdowns in Baton Rouge. He started 13 games as a true freshman in 2022, quickly connecting with quarterback Jayden Daniels (now with the Commanders), totaling 38 catches, 414 yards, and three touchdowns. His final season was even better, setting a single-season LSU record for tight end receptions with 55 catches for 546 yards and two touchdowns.

The New York Jets showed no interest in Mason, not even inviting him for a top 30 visit. They did meet him, though, at the NFL Combine in February. However, the absence of obvious clues left Taylor puzzled. “I just kind of kept my head down during this whole process,” Mason Taylor said. “Selling myself to the best of my ability and being who I am and being honest. I don’t think there weren’t any tells for sure, so it was definitely surprising. But I’m excited.” Now that he is finally a part of the Jets, it all comes down to one thing. But is taking Mason the right move?

New York Jets and the Taylors: A legacy in making

Despite his Miami roots, Mason Taylor adds a new chapter to Jets’ history. His father, Jason, briefly played for New York in 2010—their last playoff appearance. Mason hopes to end that drought. He offers considerable potential; a smooth, natural receiver with excellent body control and soft hands. He’s not flashy, but consistent—a quality this young Jets offense needs.

At only 20, Taylor has plenty of potential. Despite two 88-yard bowl game performances, he never rushed for more than 63 yards in a single SEC game. Even the scouts pointed out that he needs to become a better blocker. But he didn’t just show up in Mobile, he rocked the Senior Bowl with flashes of his strong hands and high-point football in 1-on-1 drills. Mason proved he’s one of the best tight ends in the stacked 2025 class. Taylor can still get way better, and the Jets are betting on it.

Even Mason Taylor is pretty excited to be a part of the New York Jets. “Getting the call and seeing the New York zip code pop up and talking to everyone in New York, it was unbelievable,” Taylor said. “I’m still kind of shocked by it I’m trying to take it all in and get ready to work. I’m going to enjoy this night for sure. But the next morning, the 24-hour rule, so enjoy it right now and get back to work, and I can’t wait to get to New York.”

With Justin Fields as QB and Aaron Glenn‘s coaching, Taylor provides a solid safety net for New York’s offense. His steady hands and football smarts will really help Fields out. The Jets drafted more than just a tight end; they got someone to stabilize their offense and added another Taylor to the AFC East mix.