The New York Jets are trying to forget their old bad ways as they enter a new era with Justin Fields under center. Not only are they trying a new quarterback, but the team is also high on a potential key weapon who has been great throughout the NFL preseason.
Rich Cimini, who is the Jets insider for ESPN, says rookie tight end Mason Taylor is impressing with his catching abilities. “Mason Taylor’s emergence as a receiving threat could relegate Jeremy Ruckert to a blocking role at tight end,” Cimini wrote.
Taylor, who is a second-round pick, comes from the LSU program, who has become the school for elite wide receivers in the NFL. The Tigers have produced prospects like Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, Malik Nabers, and Brian Thomas Jr. to mention a few. While Taylor is a tight end and not a receiver, apparently he still learned how to catch footballs and create havoc on defenses.
Taylor might be the best receiving threat, but he has to improve on other aspects
While Cimini states that Taylor is by far and away the one that has impressed the most as a receiving threat, he also states that Jeremy Ruckert clears as a blocker. The tight end position is tricky because you need to be elite at both aspects of the game. Catching passes is only half your job. Then, you have to play a part on run blocking and pass protection if needed.
Mason Taylor #TE20 of LSU participates in a drill during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Ruckert is entering his fourth year, but he’s never been able to establish himself as a weapon. He is mainly known for his blocking. Last season, Ruckert amassed only 105 yards in one of the NFL’s most pass-happy offenses. It seems that both tight ends have an edge over the other, now it’s up to the coaching staff to see what they value more.
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Taylor might be the chosen one
The Jets will have a decent-to-good offensive line if they manage to stay healthy. However, when you see the offensive weapons, it’s not like they have plenty to spare. Fields‘ top-tier weapons are wideout Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall. Aside from that, the Jets don’t have other elite weapons.
That’s why Taylor being a better pass-catcher can come in handy. While the Jets can buy Fields time with the offensive line, making Ruckert expendable at some point, they need to give Fields more weapons. This is why Taylor might get the starting gig at the position.
