The NFL Scouting Combine is underway in Indianapolis as Defensive Linemen and Linebackers will take the field on Thursday Afternoon. One of the most recent trends has been players opting out of testing at the NFL Combine opting to instead showcase their talent at their school's Pro Day in a controlled environment.
On Thursday, LSU Star Tight End Mason Taylor told the media that he won't be testing at the NFL Scouting Combine instead choosing to work out at LSU's Pro Day. Taylor will however, do all of the field drills allowing teams to see his ability as a tight end.
LSU TE Mason Taylor says he’ll do all the position drills tomorrow, and will do all testing at LSU’s pro day.
— Tommy Yarrish (@tommy_yarrish) February 27, 2025
Met informally with the #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/ntlR6egGbg
Mason Taylor has taken interview during the Combine meeting with all 32 teams this week which speaks to the level of intrigue he's drawing from the NFL.
This offseason, Mason Taylor took part in the Reese's Senior Bowl despite being a Junior showcasing his football talents. At the Senior Bowl, Mason Taylor flashed his talent and only driving his draft stock up in a loaded tight end class.
The decision by Mason Taylor makes a ton of sense and is likely the right decision whether fans or scouts want to hear it. Mason Taylor will never get drafted based on his speed, broad jump ability, or how many times he can bench press 225 pounds.
If scouts want to draft Mason Taylor, they'll turn on his three seasons of tape where he dominated at LSU. Taylor put up three productive seasons as a receiver leaving LSU as the all time receiving yards leader at LSU. The most underrated part of Taylor's game is his ability as a blocker which has developed significantly over his time at LSU.
Mason Taylor is currently projected as a 2nd or 3rd round pick in NFL Mock Drafts and passing on doing the physical testing won't help or hurt Mason Taylor's case.