Mason Taylor — 2026 Fantasy Outlook

Taylor spent three seasons at LSU operating close to the line of scrimmage (10.1 career yards per catch tells that story clearly). Over 38 games, he totaled 129 catches for 1,308 yards and six touchdowns, with his most productive season coming in 2024 (55/546/2) on a team that threw the ball 534 times, the most in the SEC. He ranked third in receiving production on that roster, which speaks to both his role and his competition for targets.

His athleticism tested well at the 2025 NFL Combine, with a 4.65 40-yard dash ranked among the better times in this draft class at the position, and he put up 28 reps on the bench press. The physical tools are clearly there.

The refinement hasn't fully arrived yet. His route running lacks consistency. The tempo through his stems and his ability to sell breaks at the top of his routes both need sharpening. He relies on his quickness advantage over linebackers to create separation rather than technique, which will be a harder sell against better athletes in the NFL. His hands are a genuine asset, showing up most in contested catch situations and tight windows. Blocking effort and technique also need development before he can be trusted on every down.

The overall profile is one of a young, physically gifted tight end still growing into his game: the kind of player whose best football is likely ahead of him once coaching and repetition start to fill in the gaps.

Over 13 games in his rookie season, Taylor led the Jets in catches (44) while gaining 369 yards across 65 targets. He reached paydirt only once and gained 8.4 yards per catch. His best fantasy value came in three matchups (5/65, 9/67, and 5/34/1) when he received 27 combined targets. Taylor missed the final four games with a neck injury.