Mason Taylor NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report For LSU TE
Mason Taylor, LSU’s standout tight end, enters the 2025 NFL Draft with a well-rounded skill set that makes him a compelling prospect at the next level. With natural hands, high football IQ, and versatility, Taylor has proven his ability to contribute as both a receiver and blocker. He thrives in contested catch situations and has a keen sense for finding soft spots in coverage, making him a reliable target in the passing game. However, refining his route running, separation skills, and blocking strength will be key areas of development as he transitions to the NFL.
Mason Taylor 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Mason Taylor, LSU’s talented tight end, brings a well-rounded skill set, making him a fascinating prospect at the next level. Impressively, he is known for his natural hands, high football IQ, and versatility. Additionally, Taylor has shown the ability to contribute both as a receiver and a blocker.
Furthermore, while Taylor excels in contested catch situations and has a knack for finding soft spots in coverage, there are areas of his game. This includes aspects such as separation skills, route refinement, and blocking strength. All of which will need development. Below is a breakdown of his strengths and areas to improve as he prepares for the NFL.
Strengths
- Hands & Catching Ability: Natural hands-catcher, plucks the ball confidently, reliable in contested situations, and adjusts well to off-target throws.
- Football IQ: High football sense, finds soft spots in zones, adjusts routes based on coverage.
- Versatility: Alignment versatility; he can play in-line or flex out to create mismatches.
- Body Control & Movement: Fluid mover with plus body control, adjusts well to off-target throws, and is a smooth athlete in space.
- Blocking Effort & Competitiveness: Flashes strong competitiveness as a blocker, especially on cross-formation blocks and in pass protection.
- Physicality & Toughness: Plays through contact, boxes out defenders well in contested catch situations, and fights to finish plays.
- YAC Ability: Good contact balance, falls forward through arm tackles, shows flashes as a playmaker after the catch.
- Clutch Factor: Steps up in big moments and performs well against top competition.
Areas for Improvement:
- Separation & Route Running: Lacks deception and nuance in routes, struggles to create separation consistently, and relies more on finding voids than true route artistry.
- Vertical Speed: Adequate long speed but doesn’t consistently threaten defenses vertically or stretch safeties.
- Run Blocking Strength: Struggles anchoring against stronger defenders and can get walked back by bigger edge rushers.
- Limited Role in Passing Game at LSU: Primarily used on short routes (flats, hitches), not a high-volume target.
- Red Zone Impact: Underwhelming production inside the 20, not yet a consistent mismatch weapon.
- Pass Protection & Pad Level: Inconsistent pad level and force at contact. Additionally, he doesn’t consistently generate a strong push.
Conclusion
Overall, Taylor is a reliable, high-IQ tight end with the versatility to line up in multiple spots and make plays in key moments. His natural pass-catching ability and competitive toughness will make him a valuable asset. However, refining his route-running and blocking will be crucial for maximizing his impact at the next level. While he may not be a dominant vertical threat, his reliability in short-yardage and contested situations makes him a strong candidate for a role in an NFL offense.
Round Grade: 3rd Round
Stats: Per Sports Reference
| Season | Team | G | Rec | Yds | Y/R | TD |
| 2022* | LSU | 14 | 38 | 414 | 10.9 | 3 |
| 2023* | LSU | 12 | 36 | 348 | 9.7 | 1 |
| 2024* | LSU | 12 | 55 | 546 | 9.9 | 2 |
| Career | 38 | 129 | 1308 | 10.1 | 6 |
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