In a cruel twist of fate, Mason Taylor—the son of Dolphins Hall of Famer Jason Taylor—was drafted by one of Miami’s biggest division rivals: the New York Jets. The tight end was taken in the 2nd round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the 42nd overall pick. Now it’s about to get interesting for both Taylor and the AFC East.
Not the Dolphins who called his name, Mason now plays for the same team his dad played for one season before coming back to finish his Hall of Fame career in Miami. This adds another layer to the already spicy Jets-Dolphins games.
A Family Legacy on Display
Mason Taylor is from football royalty. His dad, Jason Taylor, is a Pro Football Hall of Famer and a dominant defensive end/OLB for 15 years in the NFL. And don’t forget his uncle, Zach Thomas, a Dolphins legend who played defense for over a decade.
Despite those big legacies, Mason has carved out his own path – at a completely different position. Playing tight end at LSU, he showed versatility and skill that got the attention of scouts around the league. But according to Mason, much of his success comes from lessons learned at home.
“I mean, my dad, even my dad and my uncle, they both weren’t the highest recruited coming out of high school or college,” Mason said before the draft. “And it just shows that there’s no shortcuts to the game. It’s a lot of straight hard work and dedication, and seeing their work ethic.”
Clearly that mindset has shaped Mason’s approach to the game, and he’s risen through the ranks without being the flashiest prospect in this class.
Why the Jets Chose Mason Taylor?
The Jets needed a tight end so badly they were considering taking Penn State’s Tyler Warren with the 7th overall pick. Instead, they waited until the 2nd round and got Mason. Many think he has untapped potential.
Mason listed his strengths as:
“I would say specifically in the pass game, route running. I think I’m a tremendous route runner,” he said. “I think I’m running smooth, but again, I can separate myself from defenders. … I feel like I can run any route I’m asked to do, whether that’s out wide and number one, number two, or three spot.”
For a Jets offense looking to add some dynamic weapons, Mason’s athleticism and reliability could be a contributor sooner rather than later.
What This Means for Dolphins-Jets Rivalry?
With Mason Taylor playing for the Jets, every game against the Dolphins will mean more. Not only will he be playing against the organization tied to his family’s legacy but he’ll also get to prove himself against the team that passed on him.
Before, the draft Mason visited the Dolphins as part of a local prospect tour but it never seemed like they were serious about taking him. Their focus was elsewhere, addressing needs along the offensive line and secondary. But fans couldn’t help but imagine the poetic justice of drafting the son of one of their all time greats.
Now, instead of wearing aqua and orange Mason will be wearing green and white and he’ll do so twice a year when the Jets and Dolphins play. These games will be must see TV for fans on both sides.
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