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.

HT: 6051
WT: 251
HAND: 1000
ARM: 3228
40: 4.64

Strengths

• Hands and Catch Radius: Taylor is a natural hands-catcher with a wide catch radius, consistently securing throws away from his frame. His ability to pluck the ball in traffic or on off-target passes (only one drop in 2024) highlights his reliability as a quarterback’s safety valve.
• Route Running: He excels against zone coverage, displaying an advanced feel for finding soft spots and settling into voids. He uses subtle tempo changes and head fakes to keep defenders off-balance, especially on intermediate routes.
• Versatility: He split his time nearly evenly between in-line and slot alignments at LSU, showing comfort in multiple roles. Capable of flexing out as an H-back or working from the wing, offering offensive coordinators alignment flexibility.
• Clutch Performer: Delivered in big moments, including a game-winning two-point conversion against Alabama in 2022 and a critical fourth-down grab vs. Ole Miss in 2024. Of his 55 catches in 2024, 37 moved the chains, underlining his chain-moving reliability.
• Football Pedigree: He inherits exceptional football instincts from his father and uncle, reflected in his high IQ and situational awareness.

Areas for Improvement:

• Athletic Ceiling: Lacks elite speed or explosiveness, limiting his ability to stretch the field vertically or consistently separate against athletic NFL safeties in man coverage. His 40-yard dash won’t turn heads.
• Blocking Technique: While willing and physical as a blocker, Taylor struggles with leverage and sustainment. He often plays too high, allowing stronger defenders to shed him in the run game. Pass protection is functional but not dominant, with room to refine hand placement and anchor strength.
• Limited Downfield Threat: He averaged just 10.1 yards per catch across his career, with most production coming on underneath or schemed routes. He’s rarely targeted deep and lacks the burst to challenge seams consistently.
• Red Zone Production: Despite his size and catch reliability, Taylor scored only six touchdowns in three seasons. He must develop more nuance as a route runner to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Conclusion

Taylor isn’t the flashiest tight end in the 2025 class, but his polish, consistency, and football pedigree make him a safe bet to contribute at the next level. He could become a decade-long starter in the NFL with improved blocking and a slight expansion of his route tree.

Taylor projects as a high-floor, developmental tight end with the tools to carve out a role as a TE2 early in his career, potentially growing into a TE1 with the right coaching. His receiving skills and versatility make him an immediate asset in 11-personnel packages, particularly in offenses that prioritize short-to-intermediate passing games (e.g., West Coast or spread schemes). However, his blocking limitations may keep him off the field in heavier run-oriented sets until he refines his technique. Likely a Day 2 pick (Rounds 2-3), with a pro comparison to Tucker Kraft (Green Bay Packers) — a reliable, smart, tight end who wins with craft over raw athleticism.

Round Grade: Late 2nd – Early 3rd Round

Stats: Per Sports Reference

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