INDIANAPOLIS — LSU tight end Mason Taylor , son of Miami Dolphins legend Jason Taylor , said Thursday he has a favorite all-time Miami tight end.

" Mike Gesicki ," Taylor said at the NFL Scouting Combine. "Athletic. Can be a complete tight end. Can do it all."

Gesicki was once selected by the Dolphins in the second round, 42nd overall.

That's the range in which the athletic Taylor may be selected in April.

As the nephew of Zach Thomas and the son of Jason, well, yeah, of course Mason's athletic.

"I think I'm a tremendous route-runner," Taylor said. "I think I run smooth. I can separate myself from defenders. I feel I can run any route and be an answer for offenses."

Taylor grew up in Plantation and starred at St. Thomas Aquinas.

The 6-foot-5, 255-pound tight end with strong, sure hands ended his college career as the best receiving tight end in LSU history.

Like Gesicki, Taylor will be called upon to refine his blocking prowess.

"I love running block and even being in protection," Taylor said. "It's a big mindset, I mean some of the guys don't want to do it but you know I love doing it."

NFL draft picks: Mason Taylor could be second-rounder

Taylor may be the third-best tight end in the upcoming draft, behind Tyler Warren of Penn State and Colston Loveland of Michigan.

"Taylor projects as an impactful receiving threat at the NFL level," wrote Kyle Crabbs of 33rd Team . "Taylor offers fluidity at plus size and sure hands, which should allow him to be an authentic matchup problem for the blend of linebackers and safeties he will catch in coverage while running routes."

Tight end is not a huge priority for the Dolphins, but adding a player to complement Pro Bowler Jonnu Smith would be beneficial.

NFL Scouting Combine schedule: TEs work out Friday

Taylor said he spent time with Dolphins officials at the Senior Bowl.

When asked repeatedly about his father, Jason Taylor, Mason often made sure to also discuss the impact made by his mother, Katina.

Jason Taylor, Katina Taylor impact draft target Mason Taylor

Mason recalled bringing a JUGS machine home from St. Thomas Aquinas and having teammates come over to his house to practice catching pass after pass after pass.

"Put in the work," Mason Taylor said.

Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post . You can reach him at and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe . Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter . Help support our work by subscribing today.