Jets rookie Mason Taylor is already earning Aaron Glenn’s trust at OTAs

The New York Jets drafted Mason Taylor in the second round with the hope that he could quickly become a foundational piece of their offense. Through OTAs, he’s already showing signs that he might be ready to take on that role.

Taylor has impressed with his receiving ability, flashing reliable hands and the athleticism that made him such a compelling draft prospect. But it’s his blocking that’s caught the attention of head coach Aaron Glenn.

"[Taylor] understanding exactly what he's supposed to do and the position, the body language, the leverage, all those things. Man, I really love that."

Aaron Glenn

For a 21-year-old tight end still adjusting to the speed of the NFL, that’s no small thing. It may only be OTAs, but it's notable that he's already earning this type of praise from his new head coach.

With minimal competition for the starting job, Taylor’s path to playing time is wide open. And if early practices are any indication, he’s taking full advantage.

Mason Taylor is already earning praise from his new Jets coaches

Taylor is already beginning to turn heads at Jets OTAs. Team reporter Caroline Hendershot singled him out as the most impressive player on the field so far, citing both his ability as a pass catcher and Glenn's blocking praise.

While Justin Fields and Garrett Wilson have rightfully drawn attention, it’s Taylor who’s quietly making one of the strongest early impressions on the new coaching staff.

That’s exactly what the Jets were hoping to see when they used the 42nd overall pick on Taylor in this year’s draft. He’s entering a situation tailor-made for early playing time.

The Jets' tight end depth chart is among the thinnest in the NFL, with 2022 third-rounder Jeremy Ruckert and journeyman Stone Smartt representing the only other real options.

Ruckert has fallen short of expectations in the NFL, offering little as either a blocker or pass-catcher through three underwhelming seasons. While a reunion with his former Ohio State quarterback could help spark some semblance of optimism, he’s done little to inspire confidence.

Smartt, meanwhile, profiles more like an oversized wide receiver than a true in-line tight end. He's flashed his receiving upside in the past with the Los Angeles Chargers, but it's hard to imagine him being more than a part-time role player for the Jets in 2025.

That leaves Taylor with a clear runway. His blend of pass-catching upside, natural athleticism, and NFL bloodlines gives him every opportunity to lock down the starting job by Week 1. And based on how things have started at OTAs, that outcome is looking more and more likely.

If Taylor continues to build on this early momentum, it’s hard to see anyone else winning the starting job. The Jets may have finally found their long-term answer at the tight end position.

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