NY Jets know exactly who they want at 42 but may not get the chance

The New York Jets made a smart, but controversial decision on Day 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft, passing on Penn State tight end Tyler Warren to select Missouri right tackle Armand Membou with the No. 7 overall pick.

It was a pick about priorities, as the team solidified the offensive line around Justin Fields and set the foundation for a more stable offense. But with the line now fortified, the Jets should be shifting their attention to another major need on Day 2.

There is a strong chance the Jets now look to address the tight end position, one of the biggest remaining holes on their roster. LSU’s Mason Taylor, one of the top tight end prospects still available, reportedly sits high on their board.

According to Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda, the Jets are "targeting" Taylor with the No. 42 overall pick. The son of NFL legend Jason Taylor is widely seen as perhaps the top remaining tight end entering the second round.

NY Jets might miss out on top draft target Mason Taylor in Round 2

Unfortunately, it might not be that simple. Pauline also reported that "it seems unlikely he makes it to them," meaning the Jets could be stuck watching their top tight end target come off the board before they are on the clock.

After landing their dream scenario in Round 1, the Jets may need a little more luck to keep the momentum rolling on Day 2.

The son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, Mason quickly made a name for himself in Baton Rouge, setting school records for career receptions and receiving yards by a tight end.

Over three seasons, he proved to be a steady, reliable presence in a pass-heavy offense, showing off the athleticism and ball skills needed to thrive at the next level. Some evaluators even believed Taylor had a chance to sneak into the back half of the first round before the draft began.

While he may not be the flashiest prospect, Taylor’s combination of toughness, smooth movement skills, and reliable hands made him a quarterback’s best friend at LSU, and could make him the same for Fields in New York.

His versatility to line up both in-line and in the slot gives him added value in today’s NFL, and while he is more of a technique blocker than a true mauler, his willingness and athleticism in the run game help round out a complete tight end prospect with few glaring holes.

Simply put, Taylor is the kind of player who makes an offense better the moment he steps on the field. Given that the Jets' current tight end is headlined by the likes of Jeremy Ruckert and Stone Smartt, that's exactly what they need.

If Pauline’s report is accurate, the Jets seem to know exactly who they want when they are back on the clock. Whether Taylor actually makes it to pick No. 42 is another question entirely, and one that will be answered in just a few hours.

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