The New Orleans Saints are gearing up for the National Football League Draft, and with it quickly approaching, the team is meeting with prospects left and right to evaluate their options. This level of activity isn't surprising, especially since the draft is now less than a month away. Holding the No. 9 pick in the first round, the Saints are in a strong position, but they also possess additional picks beyond their first-round selection, giving them a variety of opportunities to strengthen their roster. Despite the recent moves they've made during free agency, there remains much work to be done to fill key gaps in their team.
One of their notable free-agent decisions was re-signing tight end Juwan Johnson, a promising player who contributed well in the past season. However, adding another talented tight end to the mix could help fortify their offensive lineup. As part of their draft preparations, the Saints are reportedly meeting with Mason Taylor, a standout prospect from LSU. According to Ryan Fowler of The Draft Network, Taylor is among the top tight ends in this year's draft class. Fowler noted, "The New Orleans Saints are hosting LSU TE Mason Taylor for a visit today, source said. One of the premier TEs in the class."
Taylor's collegiate performance speaks volumes about his capabilities. In 2024, he played in 12 games with LSU, recording an impressive 55 catches for 546 yards and two touchdowns. Over his three-year tenure at LSU, Taylor amassed 129 receptions, 1,308 receiving yards, and six touchdowns across 38 games. His consistency and ability to make impactful plays have earned him recognition as the fourth-ranked tight end in the draft class.
While Taylor may not be an option for the Saints' first-round pick, he could potentially be a valuable addition as a second or third-round selection. This strategy would allow New Orleans to utilize their higher pick for other pressing needs, such as targeting a versatile player like running back Ashton Jeanty. By securing a dependable pass-catching tight end like Taylor later in the draft, the Saints could enhance their offensive arsenal without compromising their first-round priorities. With numerous possibilities to explore, the team continues to evaluate its options as draft day approaches, ensuring they make the most of their selections to position themselves for a successful season ahead.
