2025 NFL Draft: Nick Saban declares Mason Taylor 'biggest recruiting mistake' at Alabama

When Mason Taylor was a recruit, Nick Saban and his Alabama staff had to make a decision. The Crimson Tide could recruit the son of Jason Taylor and nephew of Zach Thomas, or they could pursue other options.

According to Saban, Alabama ramped up its pursuit after Taylor committed to LSU. Ultimately, it turned into the “biggest recruiting mistake” of his tenure, Saban said during Friday’s NFL Draft.

Saban looked back on Taylor’s recruitment after the New York Jets selected the former LSU star in the draft. The highlight rolled of a play in which Taylor scored the overtime winner against Alabama, and Saban lamented the impact it had on the Crimson Tide’s College Football Playoff hopes.

“This is the biggest recruiting mistake we ever made,” Saban said on the ABC broadcast. “This guy’s the best tight end we had in camp. Here, he beats us and knocks out of the playoffs right here, first play. … I know that he’s got two Pro Bowler DNA – Zach and Jason. We bring the guy in and we shuffle around on whether we’re going to offer him or not. Then, he commits to LSU, then we try to get him.

“This guy is an outstanding player. He’s got the right mental makeup, and he can play all the spots at tight end. … This guy is a really good player. He’s my favorite all-around tight end.”

Taylor put together a standout three years at LSU, totaling 1,308 yards and six touchdowns during that time. His biggest season in Baton Rouge was his last as he hauled in 55 receptions for 546 yards and two touchdowns before entering the draft as part of a talented crew of tight ends.

Taylor played high school football at Fort Lauderdale (FL) St. Thomas Aquinas, where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 614 overall player from the 2022 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Mason Taylor

Mason Taylor cemented himself as a top pass-catcher at LSU, and his agility was on display at the NFL Scouting Combine as he ran a near-perfect gauntlet drill. To NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, Taylor still has room to grow after playing just three college seasons, but will still be an upgrade.

“Ascending tight end with plus catch talent and Hall of Fame bloodlines,” Zierlein wrote. “With just three seasons under Taylor’s belt, more growth is expected in both his game and frame. He’s a smooth athlete with adequate acceleration and the tools to become a more effective route runner in time.

“He feels defenders around him and catches with sudden hands and elevated focus when needed. He can handle blocking duties on the move or in space, but in-line action will be a challenge for him. His game needs polish, but Taylor has the ability to become a higher-volume target for a team looking to upgrade at the ‘F’ tight end spot.”