The New York Jets offense has some pieces in place at the skill positions. Justin Fields, Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall have, at different levels, established what they might be able to accomplish in 2025.
Here's an argument that says they can do even more than some expect if there is a fourth member of the offense who jumps up in a major way.
Enter tight end Mason Taylor, who was drafted in the second round and is expected to develop into one of Fields' trusted targets.
What does the LSU product think needs to be done to get him there?
"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. "So, me critiquing, then trying to perfect that and be a full tight end is the biggest thing for me right now."
And where might being a "full tight end'' take him?
Fox Sports, in listing rookies who could become franchise stars for their respective 32 teams, pegs Taylor as a guy who might have a future as a Pro Bowler.
"Perhaps some of the reason why the Jets have struggled developing a young quarterback in recent years is their lack of a "security blanket" at tight end," the site writes. "Taylor has some of the surest hands of any pass-catcher in this class, providing an immediate boost to a franchise that hasn’t produced a Pro Bowler at tight end since Mickey Shuler … in 1988."
We don't want to get ahead of ourselves here. But the truth is - no disrespect to Mickey - his numbers are quite achievable.
Shuler played 12 years with the Jets and totaled 5,100 yards and 37 touchdowns with two Pro Bowl selections in 1986 and 1988.
Can Taylor emulate that? Is there a Pro Bowl in Taylor's career? It could make all the difference to the Jets offense for that to happen ... and soon.