Rookie Tight End Listed as Key Player for Justin Fields, Jets Offense
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The New York Jets know they needed to surround quarterback Justin Fields with talented pass catchers in order to have any chance of having a successful season.
It's one of the reasons why they selected Mason Taylor in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. NFL.com writer Dan Parr expects Taylor to have the biggest impact out of every Jets rookie this season.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: 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.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: 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."Taylor was off to a fantastic start in camp -- he had probably locked down the starting job -- but a high ankle sprain will sideline him for a bit," wrote Parr. "Hopefully it won't become a long-term issue because the Jets are looking very thin at receiver behind Garrett Wilson on the depth chart, with journeymen Josh Reynolds and Tyler Johnson potentially playing leading roles. We know Justin Fields leaned on his tight end during his run as the Bears' starter, and Taylor was already beginning to emerge as the quarterback's new safety valve."
Even though Fields and many of the starters will play in the preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers, it will still take time for Fields to settle into a rhythm offensively. When Taylor returns from injury, he will certainly help Fields settle in along with Wilson.
However, the Jets offense utilizes their tight ends often -- another reason Parr expects Taylor to have a big role.
"Right tackle Armand Membou and safety Malachi Moore are also in line to start from Day 1 and will undoubtedly make a significant impact, but there's no one else at tight end who can provide the pass-catching element that Taylor offers to Tanner Engstrand's offense," he wrote.
Taylor and Fields should get some work together in the preseason as he is expected to return from injury before Week 1.
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