While he isn’t the most exciting prospect in the upcoming class, LSU tight end Mason Taylor should be a top-100 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Skipping his final year of college eligibility, the Junior enters the big event following the best season of his career. Appearing in 12 games, the tight end finished the season with 55 receptions for 546 yards and two touchdowns while finishing with an above-average run blocking grade, per Pro Football Focus.
Taylor lacks elite physical traits, but he does the little things right and was one of the most reliable players on the Tigers last year. His lack of pizzazz but ultimately reliability led Mike Kashuba of the Fantasy Football RPG podcast to call him the “Tyler Lockett of tight ends,” which feels fair. Like Lockett, Taylor won’t blow you away with high-upside plays, but he’ll always be in the right spot and could become a quarterback’s best friend as a short-yardage safety valve. Several teams could use a player like this, but these five make the most sense.
5 Teams That Could Draft LSU Tight End Mason Taylor
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots need help at just about every non-quarterback position, and tight end is no exception. Hunter Henry was a reliable safety blanket for rookie Drake Maye, but he’s not getting any younger. Like Taylor, Henry lacks elite traits but made his living by being a savvy veteran who can get open quickly and find holes in zone coverage. The Patriots could draft Mason Taylor and have him serve as their TE2 in the short term before eventually taking over for Henry later in his career.
Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh knows this team needs more pass-catching talent. While second-round pick Ladd McConkey looks like one of the game’s most promising young receivers, the rest of the pass-catchers need some work. Will Dissly was the only reliable tight end on the roster last year, and that’s not a sustainable model for success. Harbaugh wants to win with a run-first offense that can convert through the air on third downs, which makes Mason Taylor a perfect draft fit.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals must address their tight end room, as veteran Mike Gesicki is a free agent, and promising youngster Erick All will miss the 2025 season with an injury. While the team could re-sign Gesicki, he’s not a long-term fix, and the dramatic nature of All’s injury brings into question his long-term outlook. Ja’Marr Chase will always be the star of this passing attack, so the team doesn’t need a superstar tight end. What they could use, however, is a reliable option in the short part of the field, and Mason Taylor can provide that as a third-round draft pick.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens love tight ends, and they’ll probably be in the market for another one in the coming months. Veteran Mark Andrews is still an above-average starter, but the team can save $11 million in much-needed cap space by parting ways with the former third-round pick. Isaiah Likely can be the top tight end in this offense, but Baltimore could use another supporting weapon. The Ravens could be the best landing spot for Mason Taylor, as the draft hopeful won’t face pressure to start right out of the gate.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints must do something about their tight ends, as the current state of the position isn’t fit to support whoever starts next year. Juwan Johnson is an impending free agent and the cash-strapped Saints can save $2.78 million by releasing backup tight end Foster Moreau. Mason Taylor might not be a superstar, but he should be a step up on the players currently under contract. Seeing as the Saints offensive line is a major liability, a player like Taylor who can quickly get open could be the best thing for the quarterback.
Main Photo: Vasha Hunt – Imagn Images
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