Two Notre Dame standouts appear in latest ESPN first-round 2023 NFL mock draft
Week 0 kicks off in just under 48 hours, meaning prospective 2023 NFL Draft picks will take the field with the opportunity to impress. NFL scouts have already peppered the sidelines at Notre Dame practices during fall camp, as the Irish have a handful of desirable prospects who could reach the next level come April. Two of those players seemingly stand above the rest, and they were listed in ESPN’s latest 2023 first-round mock draft from Jordan Reid.
TE Michael Mayer — No. 13 to the Tennessee Titans
There is near-unanimous agreement on who will come off the board first from Notre Dame this spring: 6-4, 260-pound Mayer. Tennessee is all set in the run game for now with Derrick Henry, but head coach Mike Vrabel could potentially use some more receivers and tight ends, especially if the signing of Austin Hooper to a one-year deal doesn’t pan out.
“Mayer would add another dimension to an offense that relies on the position,” Reid said. “He is a willing blocker, but his greatest asset comes as a pass-catcher with plenty of run-after-catch ability.
“Mayer reminds me of former Ravens tight end Todd Heap.”
Heap was a 6-5, 252-pounder out of Arizona State taken No. 31 overall in the 2001 NFL Draft by Baltimore. Ten of Heap’s 12 seasons in the NFL were played for the Ravens, and he notched 42 total touchdowns over his career. Mayer would probably sign up for an NFL career like that.
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The preseason accolades have already piled up for Mayer, including a second-team preseason AP All-American nod and spots on both the Mackey (nation’s best tight end) and Biletnikoff (nation’s best pass-catcher) watch lists.
EDGE Isaiah Foskey — No. 20 to the Minnesota Vikings
Foskey chose to finish out his senior year at Notre Dame due in part to receiving a second-round draft forecast after last year. He wanted to go in the top 32 picks (well, top 31 this year). That dream could very well become a reality.
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Without a doubt, Minnesota’s biggest need on defense is in the pass rushing depth category. Foskey could help solve part of that problem.
“Minnesota’s roster is a bit top-heavy in multiple spots, and that includes edge rusher,” Reid said. “Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith are the clear starters, but after that, the depth is scarce. Foskey has rotated multiple positions and is still trying to find a home at a particular one, but he projects best as an outside linebacker.
“Kwesi Adofo-Mensah showed with his first draft class as the Vikings’ GM that he values first-step explosion in prospects, and Foskey possesses plenty of that. Foskey is also a playmaker, recording (six) forced fumbles last season.”
The 6-5, 260-pound edge rusher notched 11 sacks last season and will chase former Irish great Justin Tuck‘s single-season (13) and career (24.5) records this fall. Tuck was a third-round pick by the New York Giants in 2005. Expect Foskey to come off the board even sooner.
