HC Aaron Glenn Said Rookie from LSU Has Impressed as a Receiver and a Blocker

Susanna Weir

Jets rookie tight end Mason Taylor, who had a reputation as a receiving threat at LSU, is focused on becoming more versatile as he inches toward his first NFL training camp.

"I think just going back to the fundamentals -- that's in the run game, the footwork, the hand placement, leverage -- all the little things, that kind of separates yourself in the NFL," Taylor said in recently. "So, me critiquing, then trying to perfect that and be a full tight end is the biggest thing for me right now."

The second-round pick (No. 42 overall) in April flashed his potential as a pass catcher during OTAs, but head coach Aaron Glenn was more impressed with his blocking.

"I think he's been doing an outstanding job in that aspect," Glenn said. "And it's not just the pass catching, because that's what you guys see, that's what you guys really think is an aha moment, but the blocking is what really gets me going."

Taylor's college production as a receiver speaks for itself. He became the only tight end in LSU history with 100-plus receptions and 1,000-plus receiving yards. His 55 receptions last season are the program's single-season record by a tight end.

"Mason is exactly who we thought he was," Glenn said at rookie minicamp in May. "He has dynamic movements. He can really catch the ball. He did a good job catching the ball away from his body. He's quick to bring it in and get north and south exactly like we want, which we call knifing."

Taylor enters a tight ends room that includes veteran Jeremy Ruckert, free agent addition Stone Smartt,and first-year men Zack Kuntz and Neal Johnson -- all players that Taylor has already learned from since arriving at 1 Jets Drive.

"We're having fun in there and having fun on the field together, working, pushing each other, competing," Taylor said. "I mean, it's been a great experience."

Ruckert, entering his fourth year in the NFL, wants to take on more of a leadership role among the tight ends since he has the most experience in the group.

"[I] want to show these guys, especially Mason being such a good player coming out, it takes a certain attitude and toughness to play in this league," he said. "And he's got all the talent he needs, so just to unleash that in him, he'll be great."

Taylor has been surrounded by elite football talent throughout his life -- his father is Pro Football Hall of Famer Jason Taylor and his uncle is Pro Football Hall of Famer Zach Thomas.

"The bloodlines of him understanding football, that stands out," Glenn said of Mason Taylor on draft weekend. "Listen, he's going to come in, he's going to compete and I think he's going to do a good job for us."

With Taylor set to start his first training camp next month, he's hoping to continue to be a sponge and learn from his new coaching staff, which includes TEs coach Jeff Blasko.

"I mean, these coaches know what they're talking about," Taylor said. "They're here for a reason and [I'm] just kind of taking coaching from everyone and blending it into who I am. That's been a huge part of this whole thing and I know they know what's best for me as well, so I'm taking that into consideration and I'm putting that into my game."