2025 Official Super Duper Mock Draft Thread - Opinions On Mocks | Pundit Mocks

[Jack Burton]

If he's very good, he is 22-good. or, thats how those of us in Club Taylor view it, I get the counter argument and you mention good players. I still think your list is more likely JH2's idea of 22 pick. I'll leave the "greater impact" to the style judges - beats the hell out of me. A typical NT will post maybe 30-ish tackles, a handful of TFL, maybe a couple sacks. How do we "impact assess" that vs a TE that makes 60+ catches for 800+ yards and 5+ TDs? idunno - its all eye of the beholder.

I watch Taylor's tape, I watch Loveland, I watch Warren. I wish I had the expertise to be a pro scout because I don't know what I'm supposed to be seeing in Warren and Loveland's tape that I don't see in Taylor (and more)?

Taylor is bigger than Loveland, he's faster than both, runs as good or better routes (imo), his hands are just as good or better, he's as good a blocker as Warren, better H than Loveland ... what is it? Fortunately there are smarter scouts here at TPB and every year I learn a little bit more about intricacies and nuances ...

... (>>> someone can jump in and explain why or how W & L are better right here / thanks! _______________________)

Yeah, the more Ive rewatched these TE’s over the last 2 weeks then more I think Taylor is in their tier.
And there is a pretty big divide to tier 2. I like guys in there though too..

[Jack Burton]

Taylor may be an exceptional receiving TE and as good a prospect as any in the draft! Unfortunately that's not good enough these days. I know Kyle Pitts was an incredible receiving TE coming out of college, however he never proved to be anything but an average all around TE...

The following is what was listed by scouts as Mason Taylor's weaknesses...

The concerns about Taylor's blocking show up repeatedly on tape, particularly when asked to handle defensive ends one-on-one. His high pad level and technical flaws limit his effectiveness at the point of attack, often getting driven back into the backfield against power rushers. Yet his work from the slot and wing positions hints at untapped potential - he shows natural feel for angles and timing when blocking in space. Smart coordinators will need to protect him early in his career, using him primarily in passing situations while his blocking technique catches up to his receiving skills.
SCOUTING REPORT: WEAKNESSES

• Struggles to anchor against power rushers - gets walked back into the pocket when trying to pass protect
• Needs significant technical refinement as a run blocker - plays too high and gets overwhelmed at point of attack
• Limited experience as an in-line tight end - primarily operated from slot or wing alignments
• Must develop more sophisticated route-running tempo to avoid telegraphing breaks against NFL defensive backs
• Doesn't show the explosive burst needed to consistently separate from athletic NFL safeties in man coverage

Drafting a pro TE has always been tricky, you just never know who's going to pan out to being a franchise TE! Who Knows Mason could be the best TE in the draft, or he may be nothing special. We will soon find out!

Everyone of these tight ends need refinement in blocking. It’s par for the course with TE’s every year.

Tyler Warren's weaknesses as a tight end include inconsistency in route running and separation skills, needing refinement in his blocking technique.

Colston Loveland's weaknesses primarily involve his blocking ability and potential issues with consistency. Specifically, his leaner frame and tendency to struggle against larger defenders in the run game raise concerns about his ability to be an every-down tight end. Additionally, his limited route running and occasional drops also need improvement.

[Boltnut]

If he's very good, he is 22-good. or, thats how those of us in Club Taylor view it, I get the counter argument and you mention good players. I still think your list is more likely JH2's idea of 22 pick. I'll leave the "greater impact" to the style judges - beats the hell out of me. A typical NT will post maybe 30-ish tackles, a handful of TFL, maybe a couple sacks. How do we "impact assess" that vs a TE that makes 60+ catches for 800+ yards and 5+ TDs? idunno - its all eye of the beholder.

I watch Taylor's tape, I watch Loveland, I watch Warren. I wish I had the expertise to be a pro scout because I don't know what I'm supposed to be seeing in Warren and Loveland's tape that I don't see in Taylor (and more)?

Taylor is bigger than Loveland, he's faster than both, runs as good or better routes (imo), his hands are just as good or better, he's as good a blocker as Warren, better H than Loveland ... what is it? Fortunately there are smarter scouts here at TPB and every year I learn a little bit more about intricacies and nuances ...

... (>>> someone can jump in and explain why or how W & L are better right here / thanks! _______________________)

A good NT does more than just tackle... or occasional QB sack. A good NT allows LB's to play better/faster... by occupying the linemen that usually climb to that 2nd level. Michigan under Harbaugh/Minter used their DT's to occupy IOL and let their LB's run sideline to sideline... allowed them to bring LB's on blitzes up the middle... something we didn't see Minter do a lot of last year. Having said that, sometimes Grant plays with high pad level and gets pushed around by double teams. I will say that he moves laterally very well for a guy his size. Unlike JWall and Wilfork, Grant can get down the LOS and make plays wide. He's not my favorite player @#22... but I'll trust Harbaugh/Minter to know if he's #22 worthy.

IMO, the difference between Loveland and Warren is not that big. Loveland can make acrobatic catches and has great body control. He hits the seam quickly and stretches a defense vertically better than Warren or Taylor. He's a great receiver... good blocker. Warren catches people's imaginations because he's so strong/physical while being very athletic. While I don't think he'll get many carries (like in college)... it shows how athletic and physical he is. I don't think he'll go Top-10 (like a lot of people think). But I could see the Colts taking him. He kind of reminds me of Dallas Clark.

Taylor's best trait is that he smoothly transitions from receiver to runner in one effortless motion. Like you mentioned a few months ago... there is not a ton of Taylor's tape (under-utilized @LSU)... but he makes the most of his opportunities. He's clutch in big situations! He's a more difficult projection for me because of limited opportunities. I will say, I like him better than Haden Hurst (out of college)... whom Hortiz (Ravens) took with the 25th pick. So who knows...

I'm glad to see a robust Club Taylor. I was feeling lonely back in November...

[madcaplaughs]

We can dream, can't we? Traded down twice
14 Mar 2025.png

[Topcat]

I can’t blame them if they just draft Taylor at 22.

Why not? Some may call it a reach, but if both Warren and Loveland are both gone, which seems likely, and it Taylor is mostly what u want in a TE, and if he helps Herbie out multiple times, and if he extends drives, and if he helps us win, what's so bad about that?

[Boltgang74]

Why is Taylor considered a 2nd tier TE anyways?

[Ghost of Quacksaw]

Why not? Some may call it a reach, but if both Warren and Loveland are both gone, which seems likely, and it Taylor is mostly what u want in a TE, and if he helps Herbie out multiple times, and if he extends drives, and if he helps us win, what's so bad about that?

Depends on what else is available at the time of the pick, right? Maybe Taylor will be a major value at the time he 22nd pick is on the clock. And... maybe not.

A running back who moves the chains and is solid in pass pro ALSO helps Herb, does he not?

A receiver who stretches the field and forces defenses not to crowd the LOS would likewise help Herb. As would the right IOL.

There are several directions that Joe Hortiz could justifiably go with that #22 pick. But we won't know comparative values until the time of the pick.

[beachcomber]

personal suspicion is…. receptions:

60 Taylor
50 Loveland
40 Warren

[Boltjolt]

The longer this day goes the more I think Taylor might just be the pick at 22.
This is an extremely deep class at DT, RB and fairly deep at EDGE. You can get top tier starters all over this draft. Why F around when you can get a franchise TE who’s 20 years old and ready to go especially in the red zone day one and you’ll have Herbert’s go to guy for a decade?
And Taylor ain’t making it out of the 1st. He’s 20. He put up monster numbers at the combine and now again at his pro day. He has hands of gold and only has improved each year on a team that focuses on throwing to WRs until last year when they had terrible QB play.

Look at the back end of the draft, folks.
LAR, BALT, WASH, KC and PHIL.
They all have aging TE’s on their last legs, TE’s who are getting old and the focus of trade rumors or they need a TE. Taylor’s not getting past all these teams.

Can't disagree except that WA drafted Sinnott last year in round 2 so id think they aren't looking TE in round 1 but who knows. Baltimore has Likely and Andrews still for at least this year longer. I can see them draft another later though.

It all depends how they have them ranked. Some good players will be at the bottom of round 1.
We also don't know how Hortiz and Harbaugh feel about Loveland. If he is there, he could be the pick.

I been mocking Taylor at 55 for many weeks and then trading down and picking him early round 2 ,but 22? Idk, perhaps. Depends.
If Harmon is there, I can see them drafting him. Hampton? It's still hard for me to pick a decisive player at 22.

I'll put out some clusters here soon but as I said the other day, i think both Loveland and Taylor will likely be better NFL TEs than Warren. I've never really felt comfortable calling him a first rounder but the hype sometimes gets to you,.....but I really do hope he gets drafted first of the three.

I'm still not buying the Zabel hype tho lol. In the words of Mahomes.....I'll see it when I believe it

[Jack Burton]

Can't disagree except that WA drafted Sinnott last year in round 2 so id think they aren't looking TE in round 1 but who knows. Baltimore has Likely and Andrews still for at least this year longer. I can see them draft another later though.

It all depends how they have them ranked. Some good players will be at the bottom of round 1.
We also don't know how Hortiz and Harbaugh feel about Loveland. If he is there, he could be the pick.

I been mocking Taylor at 55 for many weeks and then trading down and picking him early round 2 ,but 22? Idk, perhaps. Depends. I wouldn't be against it.
If Harmon is there, I can see them drafting him. Hampton? It's still hard for me to pick a decisive player at 22.

I'll put out some clusters here soon but as I said the other day, i think both Loveland and Taylor will likely be better NFL TEs than Warren. I've never really felt comfortable calling him a first rounder but the hype sometimes gets to you,.....but I really do hope he gets drafted first of the three.

I'm still not buying the Zabel hype tho lol. In the words of Mahomes.....I'll see it when I believe it

Oh, I agree. They would take Loveland. He’s the better prospect in terms of his volume of plays.

Yeah, I don’t know about Zabel either….
I think he’s that small school overhyped guy this year.

[beachcomber]

not a shared opinion, and…. personal rankings @OG,

Zion
Donovan Jackson
Booker

[beachcomber]

guys you like that would be off my board,

Mason Graham, Jeanty, Will Campbell
Nolen, Warren, Membou, Burden, Zabel
Scourton, Shemar Stewart, Ayomanor
Landon Jackson, Jack Bech, Umanmielen
Skattebo, Kaleb, Ratledge, Restrepo