Former Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer is considered the top player at his position in the 2023 NFL Draft. He broke several school records for the Irish and is a sure-fire first-round prospect heading into the annual event.
Here, we provide you with a profile of the young tight end while checking in on ideal landing spots during the 2023 NFL Draft.
Michael Mayer measurements and numbers
- Height: 6-foot-4
- Weight: 265 pounds
- 40-yard dash: TBD
- Michael Mayer stats: 180 receptions, 2,099 yards, 18 TD
Mayer finished his Notre Dame career No. 1 among tight ends in program history in receptions, yards and touchdowns.
It’s a pretty amazing accomplishment given all of the stud tight ends that have come out of South Bend to star in the NFL. This list includes Tyler Eifert, Dave Casper, Kyle Rudolph and Mark Bavaro, among many others.
Related: Sportsnaut’s 2023 NFL mock draft
Michael Mayer scouting report
“Big combination tight end with the demeanor for run blocking and the size for tough, chain-moving catches underneath. Mayer will come into the league with better blocking technique than most tight ends in this year’s draft. He’s built for in-line duty and was an extension of the Notre Dame offensive line at times.
His feet are a little heavy getting into and through his routes, but he has the hand strength and contact balance to win heavily contested catches on the first two levels. Mayer might need to polish his route running to become a high-volume target, but he’s a safe pick and will be a good pro who can become a plus player as a run blocker and pass catcher.”
Courtesy of NFL.com
At 6-foot-4 and 265 pounds, Mayer has the ideal frame to succeed in today’s NFL. He can play well inline at his normal tight end spot, line up at h-back and is actually capable of playing some in the slot.
Related: Michael Mayer highlights
What makes Mayer an even more intriguing NFL Draft prospect is the fact that he’s a plus-level blocker at the point of contact. That’s true in both the pass game and when opening holes for running backs on the ground.
With that said, how Mayer performs pre-draft when it comes to his athletic measurements is going to be telling. He struggles to an extent out of the break and isn’t great when it comes to short-area speed. That could have an impact when it comes to his ability after the catch.
Related: NFL Draft rumors
Ideal Michael Mayer landing spots in the 2023 NFL Draft
- Green Bay Packers (15th overall): Regardless of what happens with Aaron Rodgers this offseason, Green Bay will be looking for a quality tight end. Robert Tonyan is slated to become a free agent and might not return. Veteran Marcedes Lewis is nothing more than a blocker at this point in his career. If Jordan Love is tasked with replacing Rodgers, he’d love to have that consistent tight end target. If Rodgers returns, more weapons in the passing game is a necessity.
- Los Angeles Chargers (21st overall): Los Angeles got decent production from Gerald Everett at tight end a season ago. With that said, the veteran boasts limited upside for Justin Herbert in the passing game. As Los Angeles figures out what to do with wide receiver Keenan Allen, getting another core component in the passing game for Herbert makes sense. Mayer would be an ideal fit in new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. After all, we know how much Moore likes to use tight ends dating back to his days with the Dallas Cowboys.
- New York Giants (25th overall): If New York is able to retain Daniel Jones this offseason, the team will have to find him more weapons in the passing game. Of course, that starts at the wide receiver position. But giving an improved young quarterback someone who can make the contested catch between the hashes could prove to be a boon. We absolutely love the idea of Michael Mayer teaming up with youngster Daniel Bellinger in Jersey.
- Dallas Cowboys (26th overall): Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz is slated to become a free agent. There’s a good chance that he has priced himself out of Dallas’ market given what we’ve seen over the past few years. For a team like the ‘Boys who are in salary cap hell, finding a cheap option to help Dak Prescott in the passing game is a must. Mayer could be an immediate contributor for the NFC contenders.