Skip to main content

Newsstand: Where Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer appeared in latest ESPN NFL mock draft

On3 imageby:Patrick Engel02/08/23

PatrickEngel_

On3 image
Michael Mayer is Notre Dame's leader in career receptions by a tight end (David Becker/Blue & Gold).

If the current draft range projections for Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer hold until April, beginning his NFL career near his hometown could be a real option. The Cincinnati Bengals own the No. 28 pick in the draft. Mayer, from the Cincinnati suburb of Independence, Ky., is projected as a mid-to-late first-round pick.

Maybe there’s a match. ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller predicted it in his latest mock. Miller has the Bengals taking Mayer at No. 28 in his two-round mock draft, released Monday.

“The first of a loaded tight end group comes off the board as the Bengals look to develop an inside passing game to complement the outside talent assembled in Cincinnati,” Miller wrote. “Mayer is a throwback tight end who reminds me of T.J. Hockenson, showcasing an in-line blocking game and terrific seam game as a receiver.

“Mayer, who is 6-5, 235 pounds, had 67 catches for nine touchdowns in 2022 while playing in an offense without an established quarterback. And while he doesn’t have elite speed or positional versatility, the top-ranked tight end in the class is a tremendous value at this spot, especially with Hayden Hurst hitting free agency.”

Top 10

  1. 1

    Carson Beck

    Latest on Georgia QB status for Sugar Bowl

  2. 2

    Angry Sarkisian

    Texas HC rips Vandy QB ruling

    New
  3. 3

    Dylan Raiola

    Nebraska QB rips transfer rumors

  4. 4

    Kiper offers Ewers advice

    Hit the portal or light up CFP

    Hot
  5. 5

    NIL in Bitcoin

    USC signee getting crypto earnings

    Trending
View All

Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning

Miller has two more tight ends follow Mayer in the next five picks: Georgia’s Darnell Washington to the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 31 overall and Utah’s Dalton Kincaid to the Houston Texans at No. 33.

Not present in Miller’s mock is Notre Dame defensive end Isaiah Foskey, a projected Day 2 selection.

Notre Dame Tweets of the Day

The Irish offered 2024 Roanoke (Va.) Patrick Henry linebacker Bodie Kahoun

Another offer went out: 2024 Philadelphia Monsignor Bonner EDGE Mylachi Williams.

Joe Bertrand was an Irish basketball pioneer.

Sign up for Blue & Gold and On3 for the latest Notre Dame athletics coverage, insider recruiting notes, and more! It’s just $29.99 until the start of next football season for new subscribers. More information can be found on our subscriptions page.

Quote of the Day

“I feel like they are treating me like a top target.”

Four-star 2024 safety Jaylen McClain on Notre Dame

Headlines of the Day

How Marcus Freeman can make a statement — about himself — in finding Tommy Rees’ replacement

The case for and against Joe Moorhead for Notre Dame offensive coordinator

How much total production does the Notre Dame offense return? ESPN analyst Bill Connelly’s formula has an answer

How the Notre Dame defense earned a high score in ESPN returning production rankings

Report: Names of initial interest emerge in Notre Dame offensive coordinator search

Horka: Why Byron Leftwich does not make sense for Notre Dame offensive coordinator

Lucky Charms: Notre Dame football recruiting scoop

You may also like