{"id":291538,"date":"2026-07-10T17:14:15","date_gmt":"2026-07-10T21:14:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=291538"},"modified":"2026-07-10T17:14:15","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T21:14:15","slug":"jets-tight-end-mason-taylor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2026\/07\/10\/jets-tight-end-mason-taylor\/","title":{"rendered":"Standout Jets Tight End Still Key Piece With Kenyon Sadiq"},"content":{"rendered":"

A young duo of Jets tight ends in New York can have a major impact on their offense this year. Over the last two seasons, the New York Jets invested in the tight end room with premium draft capital. Using two top-50 draft picks, general manager Darren Mougey added two college standouts who can impact the game as Jets tight ends. In the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, New York selected Mason Taylor out of LSU. With Canton royalty in his family, the hulking 6’5″, 255 lb Jets tight end had a crucial 4th quarter touchdown from running back Breece Hall in the team’s first win of the season.<\/p>\n

However, there was cause for concern in April. During the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the team shocked viewers by selecting Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq with the 16th overall pick. With wide receivers like Denzel Boston and Makai Lemon still available, many were surprised to see New York double down on the Jets’ tight end room. However, once cooler heads prevailed, the wheels began turning. While listed as a tight end, Sadiq’s versatility makes him a useful option in multiple formations used by Oregon<\/a> offensive coordinator Will Stein. Despite Sadiq’s presence, Jets tight end Mason Taylor will still have a role on the team.<\/p>\n

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Standout Jets Tight End Still Key Piece With Kenyon Sadiq<\/h2>\n

In the spring of 2025, new general manager Darren Mougey recognized that if he wanted to help out first-year head coach Aaron Glenn, the New York Jets needed to change. Despite having some incredible players on offense, the tight end is rarely associated with the team. Since his last snap in New York in 1989, no one has come close to longtime Jets tight end Mickey Shuler’s numbers. Arguably, Dustin Keller<\/a> remains one of the most impactful Jets tight ends within the last two decades. After seeing the impact of tight end Sam LaPorta on the Detroit Lions<\/a> firsthand, Aaron Glenn recognized the value of a good tight end.<\/p>\n

\"Mason
Jan 30, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; American team tight end Mason Taylor of LSU (86) and American team defensive back Dan Jackson of Georgia (37) spar during Senior Bowl practice for the American team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As a result, the team used its second-round pick on LSU tight end Mason Taylor<\/a>. For Taylor, it was a great opportunity to play in the same jersey his father, Hall of Fame defensive end & Miami Hurricanes<\/a> defensive ends coach, Jason Taylor, played in 15 years ago. There was much excitement over Taylor’s arrival. Despite playing with multiple future draft picks, Taylor carved out a key role during his time in Baton Rouge. Between playing with both Jayden Daniels<\/a> and Garrett Nussmeier, Taylor holds the Tigers’ career records for receiving yards and catches at tight end. Taken 42nd overall, the Jets tight end was coming in with high expectations.<\/p>\n

Second-year tight end Mason Taylor is still important for the Jets’ offense<\/h2>\n

Overall, it was hard to assess Taylor’s rookie season properly. Between New York’s triangle of underperforming pocket passing between quarterbacks Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, and Brady Cook, the young Jets tight end was playing behind the eight ball. Along with suffering a neck injury in early December that ended his season prematurely. Despite these setbacks, Taylor wound up finishing the season leading New York in targets with 65. While impressive, it likely won’t be sustainable. Considering a large portion of targets were gotten while star wide receiver Garrett Wilson missed time with a knee injury. Still, with less than optimal quarterback play, Taylor finished his rookie season with 369 receiving yards and a touchdown on 44 catches.<\/p>\n

\"Mason
Sep 29, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New York Jets tight end Mason Taylor (85) makes a catch against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mason Taylor and 2026 16th overall pick Kenyon Sadiq can coexist as the Jets’ tight ends<\/h3>\n

Entering the offseason, fans were looking forward to seeing New York add some pieces on offense to improve their passing game. However, while many were expecting New York to use one of their top-20 first-round picks on offense, it went to a position they didn’t expect. To the shock of many, New York selected University of Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq with the 16th overall pick. After a great junior season at Oregon, where he led the Ducks in receptions and touchdown receptions with 51 catches and eight touchdowns. The new Jets tight end was a featured target for standout quarterback Dante Moore.<\/p>\n

\"Mel
Jan 9, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) runs against Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Isaiah Jones (46)during the first quarter of the 2025 Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

However, to call Kenyon Sadiq a traditional inline tight end would be a misclassification. Standing 6’3″, 241 lbs, the rookie first-round pick is more like a big wide receiver, \u00e0 la San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle. While a capable blocker, Sadiq lined up all over for Oregon in the last two years. Even being efficient in the slot. Because of this, Jets fans shouldn’t be too heartbroken that Taylor loses targets.<\/p>\n

Ideally, both men can see the field together in 12 personnel packages to give quarterback Geno Smith two 230lb+ targets to throw to in short yardage situations. In addition, having two tight ends who are adept receivers makes running back Breece Hall’s life easier. If defenses load the box expecting to stop a Breece Hall or Braelon Allen run, it makes it that much easier for Taylor & Sadiq to exploit any gaps in coverage to get open for a pass. It will be on Geno Smith to get the ball out on time, but Sadiq & Taylor are strong enough to haul in any 50\/50 balls that should come their way.<\/p>\n

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Geno Smith been working with Mason Taylor a lot \ud83d\udc40\u2708#Jets<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/6OPD7xmexD<\/a><\/p>\n

— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) July 8, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n