Highlights of Mason Taylor’s First Press Conference With the New York Jets

LSU’s Mason Taylor was picked with the 10th pick in the second round, number 42 overall.

After the pick, Mason was introduced to the New York media and spoke about his journey to the NFL.

On memories of his dad, Jason Taylor’s time as a New York Jet.

Mason: Yeah, I just recalled, so we lived there for a year, really just me, my brother, and my sister running around, and my mom at Central Park tackling each other. We went to the park maybe every single day to keep us entertained as kids. Running around there and running around New York I mean it was fun, it was a blast, so I mean it's definitely crazy and eye-opening knowing that I'll be there now older. It's just an amazing experience and I'm just so excited for this.

Did he think the Jets would draft him?

Mason: Not really, it wasn't one of my 30 visits. I talked to them at the Combine, had a great meeting with them at the Combine, but really, I've just kind of kept my head down this whole process, selling myself to the best of my ability, and being who I am and honest with who I am, and performing on the big stages. I don't think there were any tells for sure, so it was definitely surprising and I'm excited, can't wait to get up there to New York.

On having his dad with him during the moment he got drafted.

Mason: Oh, it was awesome, getting the call, seeing the zip code, the New York zip code pop up, talking to everyone on the phone. I mean it was unbelievable. It happened five minutes ago, so I'm kind of still shocked by it, so I'm trying to take it all in and enjoy it all and get ready to work, enjoy this night for sure, but next morning, the 24-hour rule, so enjoy it right now and then getting back to work and can't wait to get to New York.

Will his dad’s ties to the Miami Dolphins cause any conflict?

Mason: I don't think so, no. My family's really supporting. My dad's a big supporter, so I mean I hate to say it but I think he'll love the Jets not a lot more than the Dolphins now, but I feel like he's a really supportive dad and we come from a really supportive family, so I mean he's going to have Jets merch all in his closet I'm sure of it, so it's going to be really exciting.

What type of player can Jets fans expect to see?

Mason: Just a guy that comes every single day consistent, hard worker, doing everything the right way, doing what he's told to do, making plays on and oﬀ the field, being a great locker room guy. Most importantly, on the field that's what everyone sees being that guy in the clutch moments to step up on third downs when the chains need to be moved, when it's a must-get touchdown, being that guy that can be counted on and be that safety blanket for the quarterback, be that guy that's reliable in the pass game, but also in the run game being that complete, every-down tight end that I pride myself on is something I really look forward to showing Jets fans.

Has he heard from his Uncle Zach Thomas?

Mason: He's in here in the draft party, so we're all together, and I said a few words before I got grabbed out here to do some interviews, but it's going to be a great moment, and great celebration with the family for sure, I'm excited…I think what I take from Zach is his hard work, again, under recruited from college and high school. He's really going to put the work in, and everyone puts the work in, everyone works hard, and he's done it to an extremely high level, the notes he's taken, and everything I've seen, he's given me a lot of tips about all that stuﬀ, it really shows the outcome he had with his career, and shows in the way he prepared for games, and the way he was ready being an undersized linebacker, but seeing that hard work and dedication I can take upon myself and learn and mature as well.

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Highlights of Mason Taylor’s First Press Conference With the New York Jets

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