Jets rookie tight end Mason Taylor, who had a reputation as a receiving threat at LSU, is focused on becoming more versatile as he inches toward his first NFL training camp.
"I think just going back to the fundamentals -- that's in the run game, the footwork, the hand placement, leverage -- all the little things, that kind of separates yourself in the NFL," Taylor said in recently. "So, me critiquing, then trying to perfect that and be a full tight end is the biggest thing for me right now."
The second-round pick (No. 42 overall) in April flashed his potential as a pass catcher during OTAs, but head coach Aaron Glenn was more impressed with his blocking.
"I think he's been doing an outstanding job in that aspect," Glenn said. "And it's not just the pass catching, because that's what you guys see, that's what you guys really think is an aha moment, but the blocking is what really gets me going."
Taylor's college production as a receiver speaks for itself. He became the only tight end in LSU history with 100-plus receptions and 1,000-plus receiving yards. His 55 receptions last season are the program's single-season record by a tight end.
"Mason is exactly who we thought he was," Glenn said at rookie minicamp in May. "He has dynamic movements. He can really catch the ball. He did a good job catching the ball away from his body. He's quick to bring it in and get north and south exactly like we want, which we call knifing."
Taylor enters a tight ends room that includes veteran Jeremy Ruckert, free agent addition Stone Smartt,and first-year men Zack Kuntz and Neal Johnson -- all players that Taylor has already learned from since arriving at 1 Jets Drive.
"We're having fun in there and having fun on the field together, working, pushing each other, competing," Taylor said. "I mean, it's been a great experience."