Jets fans should keep a close eye on this second-year player at camp

The New York Jets are inching closer to training camp, with it set to begin on July 28 at Atlantic Health Training Facility in Florham Park. This is a pivotal summer for multiple players on the team, whether they are fighting for their job or looking to carve a specific role.

During the NFL draft, New York added Kenyon Sadiq and Omar Cooper Jr. in the first round to bolster their playmaking core. While that's exciting, it makes camp that much more important for second-year tight end Mason Taylor.

ESPN's Rich Cimini released his training camp preview and listed Taylor as a player to watch.

"In March, Glenn raved about Taylor, saying he expects the 2025 second-round pick to have "a hell of a year." A month later, the Jets used a first-round pick on speedy tight end Kenyon Sadiq. Yes, they will use more two-tight-end packages than last year, but Taylor's playing time is bound to be affected."

Considering they used the 16th overall pick on Sadiq, they clearly like the player a lot and plan to use him, but what Taylor does in camp can help solidify his role within the offense.

Mason Taylor is about to face his biggest Jets test yet

Back in March, Glenn spoke very highly about Taylor and showed he's excited for him.

"I talked with his dad when we were in Miami, working those guys out, that you're going to see him [Mason] take another step. So I'm excited about that player," Glenn said at the Annual League Meeting.

And one month later, the team took Sadiq. While that doesn't mean they don't like Taylor, his playing time will definitely take a hit. Even if the Jets run a lot of two-tight-end sets, Taylor will need to have a strong summer. Finding success during these practices will go a long way in building confidence with the new coaching staff and forcing them to keep him on the field.

Taylor dealt with a neck injury that cost him the final four games of his rookie season. Despite that, Taylor flashed in what was a miserable offense in 2025. In 13 games (11 starts), the LSU product had 44 catches (65 targets) for 369 receiving yards and a score. He was also solid as a run blocker, finishing with a 63.1 run-blocking grade on Pro Football Focus.

There's a lot to like about Taylor. The idea of him and Sadiq allowing the Jets to run 12 personnel should give the offense an edge. But thoughts and ideas don't matter if they can't produce on the field.

Sadiq underwent a minor hernia procedure that kept him off the field in the spring, but he should be ready for camp. Since he'll be behind the ball, Taylor will likely start the summer as TE1. He needs to take full advantage of the opportunities that will come his way this summer.

With a strong camp, Taylor will give the coaches even more confidence in him entering 2026 and make it a non-negotiable that he has a real role in this offense.

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