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Mason Taylor Scouting Report
By Charlie Campbell
Strengths:
- Capable receiving weapon
- Excellent hands
- Natural hands catcher
- Can get yards after the catch runner
- Too big for defensive backs
- Enough speed
- Good size
- Polished route-runner
- Dangerous down the seam
- Accelerates into soft spots in zone
- Can win 50-50 passes
- Leaping ability
- Tracks the ball well
- Good ball adjustment
- Advanced body control
- Reliable hands
- Late hands to make receptions
- Makes contested catches
- Capable blocker
- Willing to block
- Can pass protect
- Can block the c-gap
- NFL pedigree
- Ready to contribute immediately
- Experienced and successful against good college programs
Weaknesses:
- Lacks elite speed
- Good but not great athlete
- Above average but not a dominant blocker
- Loses his feet too much downfield
Prospect Summary:
Being the son of an NFL great can put a lot of pressure and expectations on a player, but Taylor showed right away in college that he was a natural football player. As a freshman in 2022, Taylor made an immediate impact with 38 receptions for 414 yards and three touchdowns. In 2023, he had 36 catches for 348 yards and a touchdown as the Tigers featured their receivers in the passing attack. In his final season, Taylor helped the Tigers replace some receivers lost to the NFL as he hauled in 55 receptions for 546 yards and two touchdowns.
In the passing game, Taylor has the speed and size to be a problem at tight end. With nice technique, Taylor is a superb route runner who does not take extra steps. He presents a big target and can high-point the ball. Taylor projects to be a good contributor in the red zone with his ability to block and make catches over defenders. Going down the seam, Taylor presents a big target and has excellent hands to secure the ball. Taylor is not an elite runner after the catch, but he can pick up some yards on the ground, and he will punish tacklers downfield. While Taylor does not have elite speed and athleticism, he definitely has the ability to contribute as a receiver in the NFL.
As a blocker, Taylor is a solid contributor at the point of attack. Not only does he have some size and strength, but he shows more attitude and effort than other tight ends in this draft class. Taylor has the size and technique to contribute to pass protection and is a willing run blocker. While being above average, Taylor is not a dominant blocker.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, Taylor looks like a second-day pick and a likely second-rounder. He could be a solid starter and have a quality NFL career.
Prospect Comparison:
Zach Ertz. The well-rounded Taylor reminds me of Ertz coming out of Stanford. Neither had shocking speed or athleticism, but they are good, natural football players.
RELATED LINKS:
NFL Power Rankings - March 28
2025 NFL Mock Draft - March 27
2026 NFL Mock Draft - Feb. 19
NFL Picks - Feb. 9
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4