Newsstand: Where Michael Mayer ranks among best available players left in NFL Draft
Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer did not hear his name called in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft Thursday night. He will head into Day 2 Friday as one of the best players left, according to most draft analysts.
Mayer is the second-best player left in NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah’s top prospects rankings, behind only Kentucky quarterback Will Levis. Jeremiah tabbed him as the No. 20 overall player in the draft. ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay also has Mayer as the No. 2 best available behind Levis and ranked Mayer No. 19 overall.
“Mayer’s best traits are his toughness and strength after the catch,” McShay wrote in his final rankings. “He is a bulldozer with the ball in his hands, generating yards by breaking tackles and carrying defenders. Mayer doesn’t threaten with great speed down the seam, but he is an excellent route runner. And his ability to win on contested catches is second to none in this year’s class.
“Mayer also has an edge as a blocker, and his technique really improved during his three seasons at Notre Dame. His tenacity, range and initial striking power at the point of attack are very positive traits. He went over 800 receiving yards in each of his past two seasons.”
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler also ranked Mayer No. 19 overall on his final board, but three other players Brugler above him are also still available: Levis, Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and Alabama safety Brian Branch.
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Mayer still could be the second tight end taken this year and the highest-drafted Irish tight end since Tyler Eifert went No. 21 in 2013. The latter is currently Cole Kmet (No. 43 overall in 2020).
Utah’s Dalton Kincaid was the first tight end selected Thursday when the Buffalo Bills picked him No. 25 overall.
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Quote of the Day
“Sometimes life brings opportunities that are beyond anything you can imagine and that is what happened today. I know this is the best decision for my future, and I can’t wait to get to Tuscaloosa and begin the next step of my football journey.”
– Former Notre Dame quarterback Tyler Buchner
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