Former Alabama coach Nick Saban recognizes talent when he sees it, but sometimes an underestimation occurs.
After LSU tight end Mason Taylor was selected 42nd overall by the New York Jets, Saban, a staple of College GameDay, revealed Taylor could have been a go-to in Tuscaloosa if he had been able to close the deal in the recruiting stages.
"This is the biggest recruiting mistake we ever made," Saban said on ABC. "This guy is the best tight end we had in camp. Here he beats us, knocks us out of the playoffs right here."
Of course, Saban was referencing the 2022 classic between the Tigers and Crimson Tide where Taylor was the overtime hero in Baton Rouge.
Saban said he respects the Taylor family lineage, which is what makes Mason an intriguing prospect.
"I know that he's got two Pro Bowler DNA [with] Zack and Jason," Saban said. "We bring the guy in and we shuffled around on whether we were going to offer him or not. He commits to LSU, then we try to get him."
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Saban ultimately failed, but even so, he said he expects Taylor to pick up right where he left off in college.
"This guy is an outstanding player," Saban added. "He’s got the right mental makeup. He can play all the spots at tight end. He can play hand in the dirt, he can move as an H, he can play out as a wideout. This guy is a really good player. He’s my favorite all-around tight end.”
The Jets now have a star to build around Justin Fields, although given their 14-year playoff drought, the rebuild may take a few more years. At the very least, it's a start.
Round 3 just got underway from Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, as the draft rolls on.