Record-setting LSU tight end Mason Taylor is a name who should be very familiar to the Miami Dolphins.
The son of Dolphins’ legend Jason Taylor and nephew of fellow Miami Hall of Famer Zach Thomas, Mason would be a celebrated selection for Dolphins’ fans if he winds up in Miami.
Taylor finished his collegiate career as the school’s all-time leader for tight ends in receptions with 129 that went for 1,308 receiving yards. He is a reliable pass-catcher and only dropped one ball in 2024.
Additionally, he concluded his LSU career with a streak of at least one reception in 28 consecutive games. In 2024, nearly half of his receiving yards came after the catch, and when targeted the quarterback’s passer rating was 92.1.
Position: Tight End
Projected Round: 2nd or 3rd
Height: 6’5
Weight: 255
Fit for Miami
Mason could be a fine apprentice to learn from Jonnu Smith.
Smith had the best season for a tight end in Dolphins’ history, but he enters his ninth year in the league in 2025 and is set to become a free agent in 2026.
Even if Smith is a fixture in Miami for several seasons, Taylor’s talent is similar to that of the veteran. Deploying both could be a very interesting proposition for Mike McDaniel.
Bottom Line
Having a pair of tight ends who can produce yards after the catch and are able to line up in multiple areas of the field is an intriguing option for Miami.
Durham Smythe is second on the depth chart behind Smith, but wasn’t much of a factor in 2024, playing just 32% of the offensive snaps, his lowest amount since his rookie year. Also, Julian Hill has had issues with penalties and consistency in his overall game.
A new face could very well be added to the Dolphins tight end room this offseason. It’d be fun to make it a familiar name who has production to back up the pedigree.
