Where final NFL mock drafts have Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer being selected
Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer should hear his name called in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft Thursday, perhaps without having to wait the whole night. That’s the consensus of the last batch of mock drafts published on draft day morning Thursday or late the night before, at least.
Mayer is pegged as a mid-to-late first-round selection in the draft, which begins at 8 p.m. ET, and is projected to be the first or second tight end taken. The Dallas Cowboys – who pick No. 26 overall – have been a popular projected destination in recent weeks. Several day-of mocks, though, have him going earlier.
Here’s where several analysts predict Mayer will go in their final mock drafts.
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN: No. 18. Detroit Lions
Kiper says: “The Lions really don’t have many immediate roster holes, but I love the idea of coach Dan Campbell going for an old-school tight end to help his offense. Mayer is a willing blocker and has upside as a pass-catcher.”
Todd McShay, ESPN: No. 25, New York Giants
McShay says: “Yes, the Giants just traded for Darren Waller, but he’s turning 31 years old and hasn’t played a complete season since 2020. And besides, the top three receivers are off the board and Mayer – my No. 19 overall prospect – is still available. He’s a different kind of tight end than Waller; he’s a reliable target in the pass game and displays awesome strength after the catch, but he will also take care of business as an in-line blocker.”
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Dane Brugler, The Athletic: No. 21, Los Angeles Chargers
Brugler says: “Wide receiver (Jordan Addison?) is definitely in play here. Given the way new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore relies on the tight end position, though, a combo option like Mayer is a natural fit. He’d help both the run and pass games.”
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Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network: No. 21, Chargers
Jeremiah says: “The Chargers could look at CB or DL here, but Mayer would give Justin Herbert a similar player to Hunter Henry, whom they’ve missed since he left for New England after Herbert’s rookie year.”
Kevin Hanson, Sports Illustrated: No. 26, Cowboys
Hanson says: “The Cowboys could go in a few different directions here, but Mayer would be a great fit at the end of the first round. Dalton Schultz is now in Houston, and Jake Ferguson currently tops their tight end depth chart. Mayer has plenty of experience playing in-line and is the most complete tight end in this draft class with an all-around skill set. He’s a savvy route runner with strong hands and led Notre Dame in receiving in each of his three seasons.”
Chris Trapasso, CBS: No. 13, Green Bay Packers
Trapasso says: “Could totally see Mayer surprising the masses and being the first tight end off the board. High-floor, three-down player for Jordan Love’s offense.”
Trevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus: No. 26, Cowboys
Sikkema says: “If it’s not Bijan Robinson (or maybe [Jahmyr] Gibbs), it sounds like Mayer will be the player the Cowboys covet. In this scenario, both running backs are off the board, so the Cowboys go with the Notre Dame tight end.”
