The path seemed clear from the start.

The Jets selected tight end Mason Taylor out of LSU in the second round with the 42nd pick.

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He impressed early with his blocking technique coming off of a three-year career of 129 catches for 1,308 yards and six touchdowns as a Tiger.

The 21-year-old was the instant favorite to start over Jeremy Ruckert, Stone Smartt, and Zach Kuntz. He was set to get a ton of reps among veteran stars in his rookie season.

It was the ideal scenario for the son of Hall of Famer and former Jets pass rusher Jason Taylor.

Mason Taylor looks on from the field during an NFL football game against the New England Pat

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