Nick Saban reveals 'the biggest recruiting mistake we ever made' at Alabama
Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban continued to provide analysis on ABC on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay. But a second-round pick reminded him of one that got away.
When the New York Jets selected LSU tight end Mason Taylor with the 42nd overall pick, Saban said shared his regret of the NFL legacy ending up in Baton Rouge rather than Tuscaloosa.
“This is the biggest recruiting mistake we ever made,” said Saban during the ABC broadcast. “This guy is the best tight end we had in camp.”
Taylor wasn’t a top recruit in the 2022 class, finishing as a 3-star prospect and the nation’s No. 614 overall recruit, according to the On3 Industry Rankings. But Saban coveted the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, who he coached with the Miami Dolphins.
While Taylor visited Alabama in November of 2021, he ultimately chose the Tigers. Meanwhile, the Tide signed two 2022 tight ends – Amari Niblack and Elijah Bown, who both transferred.
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“I know that he’s got two Pro Bowler DNA – Zach (Thomas) and Jason,” Saban said. “We bring the guy in and we shuffled around on whether we’re gonna offer him or not. And he commits to LSU, then we try to get him.”
Taylor played three seasons at LSU before turning pro and caught 36 or more passes each year. In 2022 as a true freshman, Taylor had three receptions for 36 yards in a home win over Alabama, including a two-point conversion in overtime, which was shown after his selection. “Here he beats us and gets us knocked out of the playoffs,” Saban said.
As a junior in 2024, Taylor caught 55 passes for 546 yards and two touchdowns at LSU.
“This guy is an outstanding player,” Saban said. “He’s got the right mental makeup. He can play all the spots at tight end. He play hand in the dirt. He can play as an H. He can play out as a wideout. This guy is a really good player. He’s my favorite all-around tight end.”
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