New York Jets Rookie Mason Taylor Among NFL Newcomers Drawing Pro Bowl Comparisons

Three rookies, tight end Mason Taylor of the New York Jets, two-way player Travis Hunter of the Jacksonville Jaguars, and linebacker Jihaad Campbell of the Philadelphia Eagles, have each been compared to former franchise Pro Bowlers by FOX Sports analyst Rob Rang. These comparisons are based on specific traits, roles, and performance histories and reflect the high expectations each rookie carries as training camp nears.
In New York, Mason Taylor enters the Jets’ tight end room following the departure of veteran Tyler Conklin in free agency. Taylor was drafted out of LSU, where he completed his most productive season in 2024 with 55 receptions, 546 yards, and two touchdowns in 12 games. According to Rob Rang, Taylor possesses “some of the surest hands of any pass-catcher in this class,” and this trait contributed to Rang’s comparison of Taylor to former Jets Pro Bowl tight end Mickey Shuler.
Shuler, who last appeared in the Pro Bowl in 1988, played 12 seasons for the Jets and totaled 4,819 receiving yards with 37 touchdowns. The Jets have not had a Pro Bowl selection at the tight end position since Shuler’s 1988 appearance. Rang suggested that the Jets’ historical lack of a reliable tight end may have contributed to difficulties in developing young quarterbacks. Taylor is expected to compete for early playing time in a position group that includes Jeremy Ruckert and Stone Smartt. Under new offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand and with Justin Fields now at quarterback, Taylor has the opportunity to emerge as a primary target in an offense that also features Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall.
In Jacksonville, Travis Hunter was selected with the No. 2 overall pick after the Jaguars traded up in the 2025 NFL Draft. Hunter played college football at Colorado, starting 30 games from 2022 to 2024. His cumulative college statistics include 171 receptions, 2,167 yards, and 24 touchdowns on offense, along with 80 tackles, 22 pass deflections, and nine interceptions on defense. In 2024, he won the Heisman Trophy and helped lead Colorado to a 9–4 season. The team narrowly missed the Big 12 Championship due to a tiebreaker.
Rob Rang compared Hunter to Jalen Ramsey, who was drafted by the Jaguars in 2016 and played in Jacksonville until 2019. During that time, Ramsey started 51 games, recorded 210 tackles, 45 pass deflections, and nine interceptions, and made the Pro Bowl in 2017, 2018, and 2019. He also earned a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2017. Since leaving Jacksonville, Ramsey has received additional All-Pro honors in 2020 and 2021 and has made the Pro Bowl from 2020 to 2023. He won a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams.
Hunter signed a four-year rookie contract with the Jaguars worth $46.65 million, fully guaranteed. The contract includes a $30.57 million signing bonus paid in full at signing, making Hunter the first non-quarterback rookie in NFL history to receive an entire bonus upfront. In a fan survey conducted by Big Cat Country, 71% of Jaguars fans rated the acquisition of Hunter with an “A” grade. In sports betting markets, Jacksonville is currently listed at +8000 to win the Super Bowl, +280 to win the AFC South, and +164 to make the playoffs. According to BetMGM, Hunter’s odds to win Defensive Rookie of the Year are +750.
Head coach Liam Coen discussed the Jaguars’ decision to draft Hunter during a June appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. Coen stated that the organization began serious discussions about acquiring Hunter approximately one month prior to the draft. Coen talked about Hunter’s strong work ethic and his enthusiasm for playing on both sides of the ball. He said that the team wanted to give him the platform to contribute in multiple roles.
In Philadelphia, Jihaad Campbell was selected with the 31st overall pick after the Eagles traded up with the Kansas City Chiefs. Rob Rang compared Campbell to former Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter. Trotter played 11 seasons in the NFL, most notably with the Eagles, and totaled 12.5 sacks, 50 pass deflections, and nine interceptions. He was selected for the Pro Bowl four times and played in a scheme led by defensive coordinator Jim Johnson.
Campbell played college football at Alabama and is expected to fit into defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s system. According to analysts, Campbell’s profile includes the ability to defend the run, rush the passer, and cover tight ends. He has also been compared by some analysts to former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier, based on athletic profile and playmaking ability. At 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, Campbell tested in the 89th percentile or higher among linebackers in multiple combine metrics.
Campbell is currently recovering from shoulder surgery and has not yet participated fully in team activities. While Campbell is sidelined, Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., the son of the player Campbell was compared to, is receiving first-team reps. The two players may eventually compete for playing time or appear in specialized defensive packages together.
Campbell grew up in South Jersey as an Eagles fan and has cited Hall of Fame safety Brian Dawkins as an influence. He has stated that he tries to bring a similar level of intensity and competitive spirit to his play.