Mason Taylor to Dolphins? Miami wants to sign Jason Taylor’s son, an LSU tight end.

It doesn’t take long to understand why Mason Taylor’s name carries weight in the world of football. The LSU tight end isn’t just one of the top prospects at his position in the 2025 NFL Draft — he’s also the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer and Miami Dolphins legend Jason Taylor. As the NFL world gears up for the draft, rumors have begun swirling that the younger Taylor could be on Miami’s radar.

If the Dolphins make that move, they wouldn’t just be getting a reliable pass catcher and physical blocker — they’d be bringing a beloved name back home.

The Taylor Legacy

Jason Taylor needs no introduction in South Florida. The former Dolphins defensive end spent 13 of his 15 NFL seasons with the franchise, racking up 131 of his 139.5 career sacks in a Miami uniform. Known for his relentless motor, long frame, and leadership, Jason became the heart and soul of the Dolphins defense during the 2000s, earning six Pro Bowl selections and being named the 2006 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Now, nearly two decades later, Mason Taylor has carved out his own path — albeit on the opposite side of the ball.

Born into football royalty, Mason didn’t rest on his last name. He forged his reputation with hard-nosed effort, steady improvement, and big-time moments during his three seasons at LSU.

And now, there’s a growing possibility that he might wear the same Dolphins uniform that his father once wore with pride — just with a different number and a different role.

Mason Taylor’s LSU Rise

From the moment he stepped onto campus in Baton Rouge, Mason Taylor looked the part. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing around 255 pounds, he immediately drew comparisons to NFL-ready tight ends thanks to his frame, fluidity, and versatility.

Taylor burst onto the scene in 2022 as a freshman, catching 38 passes for 414 yards and three touchdowns. His breakout moment came in LSU’s stunning 32–31 overtime win over Alabama, where he caught the game-winning two-point conversion on a rollout from quarterback Jayden Daniels.

That catch didn’t just beat Nick Saban’s powerhouse — it made Mason Taylor a household name in Louisiana.

Over the next two years, he only got better.

In 2023, Taylor improved on his numbers despite an inconsistent quarterback situation, finishing with 36 catches for 414 yards and four touchdowns. By 2024, with Daniels winning the Heisman Trophy, Taylor became a key part of LSU’s explosive offense, setting the program’s all-time tight end records for catches (129) and receiving yards (1,308).

He wasn’t just productive — he was consistent. Reliable hands, intelligent route running, and fierce blocking made Taylor one of the most complete tight ends in the country.

Scouting the Prospect

Mason Taylor enters the 2025 NFL Draft as a projected Day 2 pick — anywhere between the second and third rounds depending on team needs and scheme fits. While he may not have elite top-end speed like some of the recent tight end unicorns (think Kyle Pitts or Dalton Kincaid), he checks just about every other box.

Strengths:

• Size and physicality: At 6-foot-5, 255 pounds, Taylor uses his body well in contested catch situations and holds his own as a run blocker.
• Football IQ: His understanding of coverage and spacing is advanced — no surprise given his pedigree.
• Hands: Reliable catcher with very few drops on tape.
• Versatility: Lined up as an in-line blocker, in the slot, and even occasionally out wide in LSU’s offense.

Weaknesses:

• Speed: Taylor likely won’t run a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash. He’s a classic move-the-chains tight end rather than a vertical seam stretcher.
• YAC ability: Not as elusive or dynamic in open space compared to some of the new-generation tight ends.

NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah called Taylor “a rock-solid, plug-and-play tight end who may not be flashy, but will be in the league for a decade.”

For teams looking for a reliable safety blanket and red-zone threat, Taylor is a very attractive option — and the Dolphins might just be one of those teams.

Why the Dolphins?

The Dolphins have one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses, with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle forming arguably the fastest receiving duo in the league. But if there’s one thing Miami’s offense has lacked in recent years, it’s a reliable presence at tight end.

The team has experimented with several options — Durham Smythe, Mike Gesicki (prior to his departure), and most recently free-agent pickups like Jonnu Smith — but none have emerged as long-term answers. Head coach Mike McDaniel’s system, borrowed in part from the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree, thrives with a dynamic tight end who can block, create mismatches, and serve as a quarterback’s security blanket.

Think George Kittle in San Francisco. While Mason Taylor may not be at that level, his skill set is eerily similar — a tough, all-around tight end who helps set the tone for the offense.

And then, of course, there’s the name.

The Sentimental Angle

Drafting Mason Taylor would be more than just a football decision — it would be a cultural one. For a fanbase that still reveres Jason Taylor as one of the franchise’s greatest players, the idea of his son continuing that legacy is powerful.

Mason has talked openly about what it was like growing up around NFL locker rooms, watching his father dominate on Sundays, and learning the game from one of the best defensive minds in football.

“Growing up, I saw the preparation, the sacrifice, and the passion,” Mason said in a 2024 interview. “It made me love the game, but also respect it.”

Jason Taylor, now a high school coach and mentor in South Florida, has remained quiet about where he hopes his son lands, though insiders say he wouldn’t mind seeing Mason in aqua and orange.

“Obviously, that would be a full-circle moment,” one NFL executive told The Athletic. “But at the end of the day, Mason’s going to get drafted on his own merits — and he deserves that.”

Other Suitors in the Mix

While Miami has been linked to Mason Taylor due to his father, they’re not the only team expressing interest. The New Orleans Saints recently hosted him for a pre-draft visit, and several other tight end-needy teams — including the Bengals, Chargers, and Seahawks — have done their due diligence as well.

If Taylor falls into the third round, he could become one of the steals of the draft. His skill set makes him scheme-versatile, and he has the maturity to handle a fast learning curve.

What could sway Miami? According to ESPN’s Jeff Darlington, the Dolphins have done more homework on tight ends than in recent years — signaling a possible Day 2 selection at the position.

How He’d Fit in Miami

In Miami’s current offensive depth chart, Taylor would likely compete with Smythe and Tyler Kroft for early reps, but his all-around ability could push him into a starting role sooner rather than later. McDaniel loves to use motion, misdirection, and play-action — all areas where Taylor could thrive.

Imagine this: a 12-personnel set with Taylor inline, Hill and Waddle in motion, and defenses forced to guess whether it’s a run or a play-action shot. Mason wouldn’t have to be the focal point — but he’d make life easier for everyone else.

Additionally, his red-zone presence would be welcome. Miami ranked 22nd in red-zone efficiency in 2024, often struggling to punch the ball in when the field shrank. Taylor’s size and catch radius would give Tua Tagovailoa another trustworthy target in those tight-window situations.

The Verdict

The idea of Mason Taylor following in his father’s footsteps, donning a Dolphins jersey, and building his own legacy is undeniably compelling. But even without the sentimental tie, Miami’s need for a dependable tight end makes this a logical pairing.

The Dolphins may choose to address defense or offensive line help earlier in the draft, but if Taylor is available in Round 3, the temptation may be too strong to pass up.

“Sometimes the stars align,” said a league scout. “You get the need, the value, and the story — all in one pick.”

Whether or not Mason Taylor ends up in Miami, one thing is clear: he’s ready to make his mark, not as Jason Taylor’s son, but as Mason Taylor — a football player in his own right.

Stats at a Glance – Mason Taylor, LSU (2022–2024)

• Games played: 37
• Receptions: 129
• Receiving yards: 1,308
• Touchdowns: 9
• Notable record: Most career receptions and receiving yards by a tight end in LSU history

What They’re Saying

• Brian Kelly, LSU Head Coach: “Mason is the type of player you build a locker room around. Smart, dependable, and absolutely relentless.”
• Todd McShay, ESPN Draft Analyst: “He’s not going to wow you with speed, but his tape doesn’t lie. He gets open, makes catches, and moves the chains. Every quarterback loves a guy like that.”
• Mike McDaniel, Dolphins Head Coach (on tight ends in March): “We’re always evaluating where we can be more effective. If there’s a guy who can help in the passing and run game — that’s a huge plus.”

Whether the Dolphins make the storybook pick or another team swoops in first, Mason Taylor is ready for the next chapter. The legacy might have opened the door, but it’s his own game that will keep it open.

And if he ends up in South Florida?

Let’s just say Dolphins fans might have déjà vu — in the best way possible.