Mason Taylor, the standout tight end from LSU, has made significant waves this offseason, and it’s clear that his draft stock is on the rise. After impressive showings at the Reese’s Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine, Taylor has positioned himself as one of the most intriguing tight end prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Though analysts have ranked him behind some other prospects like Harold Fannin Jr. and Gunnar Helm, there’s a growing sense that Taylor’s performances could ultimately push him above these players as the draft process progresses.
At the Reese’s Senior Bowl, Taylor showcased his skill set as both a blocker and a receiver, two areas where he has excelled. His blocking ability, in particular, impressed NFL teams, and his versatility as a pass-catching threat solidified his place as one of the top tight ends in the draft class. Throughout the week, Taylor proved to be one of the standout performers, demonstrating that he has the tools to succeed at the next level.
While Taylor opted out of the physical testing at the NFL Combine, he participated in on-field drills, where his natural ability was on full display. His smooth movements and overall ease in executing the gauntlet drill caught the attention of analysts, including NFL Network’s Rich Eisen and Daniel Jeremiah, who praised his effortless performance. ESPN Draft Scout Matt Miller also took note, highlighting how Taylor made the demanding drills look remarkably easy. This performance solidified his status as a highly talented and versatile prospect.
Entering the draft process, Taylor is competing with tight ends like Harold Fannin Jr., Gunnar Helm, Elijah Arroyo, and Terrance Ferguson who were often ranked ahead of him by analysts in that second tier of tight end prospects. While it’s not a certainty that Taylor will be ranked above these players by all analysts, his performances at the Senior Bowl and Combine have raised his stock and positioned him as someone who could soon challenge for a higher ranking. Personally, Mason Taylor has established himself as someone that should be seen as a tier above those previously mentioned prospects though. During the combine drills simply put Taylor performed at a level none of the other prospects were even close to.
Mason Taylor is not just a standout in the offseason though, he has etched his name in LSU history. He is the all-time leading tight end for the Tigers, setting records for the most receiving yards and receptions in a single season, as well as the most career receiving yards and receptions by any tight end in LSU history. While Taylor may still be behind some other tight end prospects in terms of raw statistics, his historical success in a system that doesn’t emphasize the tight end position speaks volumes about his talent and potential. His 546 yards and 55 catches in 2024, despite the system’s focus on other positions, solidify his ability to thrive even in a less-than-ideal situation for a tight end.
Taylor’s blocking ability is one of the standout aspects of his game. In a league where tight ends must contribute both in the running game and as pass protectors, Taylor’s proficiency as a blocker gives him an edge over many of his peers. His all-around skill set, combining strong blocking with solid receiving ability, makes him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking for a versatile and reliable tight end.
With LSU’s Pro Day approaching, all eyes will be on Taylor as he participates in the physical testing in Baton Rouge. This will be a crucial opportunity for him to further solidify his draft stock and showcase his athleticism. Given his history, including his all-time LSU records and his standout offseason performances, Taylor is positioning himself as one of the top tight end prospects in this draft class.
While analysts will likely rank players like Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland ahead of Taylor, the growing belief is that he may be sneakily just on their level of talent due to his overall skill set. His combination of blocking, route running, and receiving potential make him a highly appealing prospect for NFL teams. As the draft process continues, Taylor’s stock could continue to rise, making him a sleeper candidate for a higher selection.
Taylor has previously been viewed as a round 3 or 4 prospect, but I believe he will emerge as a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. If he continues to impress throughout the offseason as teams meet with prospects and dive deeper into the tape, there’s even the possibility that he could challenge for a day 1 selection. As analysts continue to evaluate his performances and the impact of his skills I expect Mason Taylor to continue projecting upwards this offseason.
Teams like the Denver Broncos, Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets, and New Orleans Saints could all be great landing spots for Taylor. The Broncos, in particular, may be a match made in heaven for Taylor. Denver has a perfect situation for Taylor to work with second-year quarterback Bo Nix, providing Nix a reliable target with high upside. Wherever the LSU tight end lands in the draft, I expect him to be a long term starter for a franchise with the potential to be one of the best in the league.
Photo Credits: Motorcycle Sports, Tiger Rag
