Mel Kiper Jr., Field Yates make case for Mason Taylor as sleeper in 2025 NFL Draft

ESPN expects LSU’s Mason Taylor to be in the debate as a possible TE3 in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Field Yates and Mel Kiper Jr. spoke about Taylor on their episode of ‘First Draft’ on Monday. Behind Penn State’s Tyler Warren and Michigan’s Colston Loveland, Taylor is there with Miami’s Elijah Arroyo as the third-best tight end in the class. That’s with what he did over three seasons in Baton Rouge, specifically this past one, along with his size and descent as part of the position.

“I think there’s a chance that it’s Mason Taylor, when it’s all said and done, out of LSU who had his best season as a collegiate this past year. No surprise, with no Brian Thomas Jr. and, of course, Malik Nabers, he got more opportunity,” Yates said. “He does have rare, and I’m talking rare, pedigree here does Mason Taylor. He’s the son of Jason Taylor – Pro Football Hall of Famer who was down at the Senior Bowl last week. This kid’s a house, Mel. This kid is huge. Very natural catcher of the football and he can hold his own as a blocker as well.”

Kiper Jr. agreed on Taylor, especially considering how consistent he was in every game at LSU.

“You look at his career and it was steady,” Kiper Jr. said. “Two years with Jayden Daniels, a year with Garrett Nussmeier. Three catches to eight catches – that’s what you’d expect just about every game he played, certainly this past year. He was out there, reliable, consistent, right.”

Taylor totaled 129 catches for 1,308 yards and six touchdowns while with the Tigers. That averages out to 3.4 receptions a game for 34.4 yards. Those numbers were improved upon as a junior this fall as a selection for Third Team All-SEC with 55 catches for 546 yards, both of which were career-highs and third on the team this season, and a pair of scores.

Neither expert expected Taylor to be a first-round pick come April. He’ll be sure to hear his name called on day two, though, with what they think he can be from the moment he gets to the next level at tight end.

“Mason Taylor probably won’t go in the first round but this guy has got a chance to be a starting tight end, though, as a rookie and play a lot of good football,” Yates said.

“Mason Taylor? You know what you’re getting. Like I said, very steady, reliable,” Kiper Jr. said. “It’s a safe pick in that second, third round area.”