2023 NFL Draft: Best Team Fits For Notre Dame Tight End Michael Mayer
With the 2023 NFL Draft about to officially kick off, all the speculation, rumors and projections are soon going to be put to the test. That includes former Notre Dame star tight end Michael Mayer, who has been one of the most overthought prospects during this entire process.
Widely considered a potential first round selection, there are several teams who offer incredible upside and a potential fit for Mayer on the next level. Let’s take a look at a few of the teams that could make the most sense.
Green Bay Packers (via New York Jets) - No. 13 overall
With Robert Tonyan and Mercedes Lewis leaving Green Bay this off-season, the Packers bring back just 17 receptions from their tight ends last season. Josiah Deguara would be the team’s starting tight end if the season started today, which isn’t a very ideal situation.
You also are breaking in a new starting quarterback in Jordan Love with Aaron Rodgers being traded to the New York Jets. There’s nothing better than a dependable middle of the field option for a young quarterback. Mayer brings that instantly with the upside to develop into one of the best tight ends in the NFL.
New England Patriots - No. 14 overall
This fit made a bit more sense before the Patriots opted to sign former Miami Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki in free agency. There is still, however, some validity to the fit still making sense.
As of right now, Gesicki and Hunter Henry are the only playable tight ends on the roster. Henry has been a very ordinary producer since coming over from
The Los Angeles Chargers, who also has injury concerns to boot. Gesicki is also an incredibly one dimensional pass catcher who is coming off of his least productive season since his rookie year in 2018.
Quite simply, this room can get reshaped very quickly, especially with someone like Mayer on the board. Bill Belichick has also shown in the past that he values using multiple tight ends offensively, especially when there are difference makers available.
Detroit Lions - No. 18 overall
The Detroit Lions have found a tremendous value recently in former Notre Dame tight end Brock Wright, who played well enough to make former first rounder TJ Hockenson expendable this past season. Still, he is not a player who projects enough to be an unquestioned top tight end on a team.
Bringing in Mayer would quickly create one of the better tight end duos in the NFL. The best part is that Wright and Mayer are already very familiar with one another.
Dallas Cowboys - No. 26 overall
A player that Mayer has been often compared to is former Cowboys All Pro Jason Witten, possessing an eerily similar style with his combination of physicality, strong hands, body control and competitiveness. In this scenario, Dallas would get the perfect fit to take them into the future.
There is a massive need at the position with Dalton Schultz leaving this off-season. They return Jake Ferguson as their top returning option, who is a solid rotation player but can clearly be upgraded.
Dallas will be in need of some consistent middle of the field targets to help quarterback Dak Prescott. Mayer fills that void seamlessly.
Cincinnati Bengals - No. 28 overall
The Bengals might be my favorite fit of anyone for Mayer, who could be the last missing element to one of the most explosive passing attacks in the NFL. They already have the outside wide receivers to consistently put opposing defenses into conflict with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Tyler Boyd’s future is also a bit in question, which could leave a potential void as a slot option in the offense. Whether attached or as a big slot, Mayer can instantly fill that hypothetical void. As if Burrow and company weren’t potent enough, just imagine them with the former Irish star as well.
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2023 Recruiting Class Grades - Offense
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