Jets rookie Mason Taylor is quickly emerging as Justin Fields’ go-to target

The New York Jets will enter the 2025 season with high expectations for rookie second-round pick Mason Taylor, and it hasn’t exactly taken long for the young tight end to make his presence felt this summer.

The rookie tight end is turning heads with standout plays seemingly every day and has emerged as one of the team's early stars of training camp. His highlights include a diving touchdown grab in the back of the end zone during Friday's practice and continued flashes to start this week.

Taylor reportedly "barelled through" defensive back Isaiah Oliver in a live tackling drill a few plays after connecting on a big gain on a pass up the seam from Justin Fields during Monday’s practice.

Head coach Aaron Glenn has also gone out of his way to praise Taylor's blocking, insisting that the rookie has been "better than advertised" in that area of his game.

Garrett Wilson may be receiving the bulk of the headlines as he re-establishes chemistry with his former college quarterback, but Taylor is also quickly emerging as one of Fields' go-to targets this summer.

Mason Taylor continues to impress at Jets training camp

The Jets selected Taylor in the second round of this year’s draft with the expectation that he’d play a major role early. So far, he’s done nothing but validate that belief.

Known coming out of LSU for his reliable hands and NFL bloodline — he’s the son of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor — Taylor has impressed coaches with his blocking as well. He's looked the part of a starting tight end so far this summer.

The connection with Fields is starting to take shape, too. The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt reported on Monday that Fields and Taylor "have been building chemistry" after the LSU product broke free over the middle of the field for a big gain.

There’s reason to believe Taylor could fill a familiar role for Fields, as some scouts likened Taylor to Bears tight end Cole Kmet in pre-draft scouting reports. Kmet developed a strong rapport with Fields in Chicago and posted career highs in 2023 with 73 catches, 719 yards, and six touchdowns.

If Taylor follows a similar path in New York, the Jets may have found their long-term answer at the position. There’s still a long way to go before Week 1, but Taylor continues to check every box the Jets could’ve hoped for.

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