MOBILE, Ala. — He has the uncommon pedigree to have each a father and uncle within the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame, however LSU tight finish Mason Taylor — son of edge rusher Jason Taylor, nephew of linebacker Zach Thomas — will make his splash within the NFL on the offensive facet of the ball.
“He grew up round defensive guys, so he has that toughness and grit facet to him,” mentioned Jason whereas watching follow Thursday on the Senior Bowl as his son prepares for the NFL Draft. “He is an extremely competitor; he is powerful as nails. Would not present ache. He’ll put his face within the block. He is simply that form of man.”
After three years at LSU, Taylor is likely one of the draft’s youngest prospects, nonetheless solely 20 years outdated, however he is bodily imposing the identical means his father was. Dad performed at 6-foot-6, 244 kilos, and Taylor is already listed at 6-5, 255, presenting a giant goal for quarterbacks. He additionally grew up immersed within the NFL world, so he understands the calls for of being a professional athlete and the dedication required to play at an elite degree.
“My uncle and my dad, they at all times instructed me there aren’t any shortcuts on this sport,” Mason mentioned. “It is all about laborious work. They weren’t the 2 heaviest guys popping out of highschool and faculty, however their work ethic, they put their head down and tried to be as constant as potential each snap.”
Taylor may additionally get a lift from the latest success of offensive stars from LSU. He was teammates in 2022-23 with quarterback Jayden Daniels and receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., three of the most effective rookies within the NFL this season. One factor Taylor shares with them is self-confidence, which comes from bodily and psychological readiness.
“The mentality half, all of it begins together with your confidence — confidence in your method, getting your self in the best place,” he mentioned.
Mason mentioned he began out in youth soccer on the defensive facet and performed nicely there, however forward of his freshman 12 months of highschool at Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, it was his father who prompt he had a talent set that will translate to offense.
“He wished to blaze his personal path, do it his personal means,” his father mentioned.
The NFL has seen a surge in rookie influence from tight ends lately. Previously 4 seasons, there have been 5 rookie tight ends with not less than 50 catches: Brock Bowers in 2024, Sam LaPorta and Dalton Kincaid in 2023, and Pat Freiermuth and Kyle Pitts in 2021. That is after only one such season within the earlier seven years, so tight finish is now seen as a place the place the best prospect can step in and assist instantly.
Taylor’s father and uncle have additionally instructed him to not sweat when he is drafted. Jason was chosen within the third spherical in 1997, and Thomas was drafted within the fifth spherical in 1996, they usually went on to play 15 and 13 years, respectively, on their solution to Canton. With a robust displaying in Saturday’s Senior Bowl and subsequent month’s NFL Mix exercises, Taylor may help his draft inventory. His prospect grade by Subsequent Gen Stats initiatives him as a “plus starter” ultimately.
Jason mentioned he has realized over time to get pleasure from his son’s soccer journey as a father and nothing extra.
“I simply stand again and watch, help and smile. It is a hell of much more traumatic [than playing],” he mentioned. “It is much less painful however very traumatic. I keep out of it, although. I had this idea for folks from once I was teaching youth ball: Shut up and clap. I attempt to do it that means.”
Greg Auman is an NFL Reporter for FOX Sports activities. He beforehand spent a decade masking the Buccaneers for the Tampa Bay Occasions and The Athletic. You may comply with him on Twitter at @gregauman.
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