What Dane Brugler's 2023 NFL Draft guide says about top Notre Dame prospects

“The Beast” is here. The Athletic analyst Dane Brugler’s annual draft guide has more than 400 scouting reports and nearly 1,900 player rankings. Notre Dame’s 2023 draft class appears in most position group rankings and at both extremes of projected draft ranges. The Irish have a likely first-rounder, projected undrafted players who will hope for a rookie minicamp invite and everything in between. Here’s a look at what Brugler wrote about Notre Dame’s two projected early-round picks.

The Notre Dame player widely projected to be the Irish’s first selection this year is Brugler’s top prospect at his position. Tight end Michael Mayer is vying for TE1 status with Utah’s Dalton Kincaid, and the latter has gained more steam in recent weeks. Brugler, though, still ranks Mayer as the top tight end and gives him a first-round-grade. He is the No. 19 overall prospect in Brugler’s top 100, one spot above Kincaid.

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“Mayer was the primary target in offensive coordinator Tommy Rees’ scheme, splitting his snaps inline (61.9 percent) and detached (38.1 percent),” Brugler wrote. “At a program known for producing NFL tight ends (14 Irish players have been drafted at the position since 2001), he is the most prolific tight end in school history, setting Notre Dame positional records (both single-season and career) for catches, receiving yards and receiving.

“With his body control and ball skills, Mayer is productive underneath and as a big seam target, using his frame and fluidity to be a pass-catching weapon. Although he lacks suddenness in his footwork, he doesn’t strain as a route runner and there are no wasted movements.

“Overall, Mayer needs to become more consistent with his blocking technique and execution, but his controlled athleticism, play strength through contact and stellar intangibles raise his floor as a prospect. He projects as a traditional Y tight end with immediate NFL starting talent.”

Mayer caught a pass in all 36 games he played at Notre Dame. He had two straight seasons with at least 800 receiving yards and 65 catches. He ended his career with 180 catches for 2,099 yards and 18 touchdowns, all program tight end records. He is poised to continue the 20-year streak of Notre Dame opening week starting tight ends being drafted, which began with Anthony Fasano (played from 2003-05, drafted in 2006).

Defensive end Isaiah Foskey is the likely next Notre Dame selection after Mayer. He is the No. 60 overall player in the top 100 and the No. 11 EDGE.

“A two-year starter at Notre Dame, Foskey played the “Vyper” edge position in head coach Marcus Freeman’s hybrid four-man front, and the coaches were creative with his alignments (stand up, hand on the ground, off-ball linebacker, etc.).

“Although his pass-rush plan and move-to-move transitions are undeveloped, Foskey is a tough player to contain because of his revving motor and rangy chase skills up and down the line of scrimmage. He has active handwork but requires time to disengage from sustained blocks once reached, which leads to questions about his position fit.

“Overall, Foskey needs to be more consistent versus the run and his pass-rush arsenal lacks variety. However, he has promising traits, and his play speed and nonstop hustle raise his floor as an NFL player. He projects an impactful sub-package rusher as a rookie with the talent to develop into a full-time edge rusher.”

The 6-foot-5, 264-pound Foskey became the first Notre Dame player to post back-to-back seasons with double-digit sacks. He left as the program’s all-time sack leader (26.5), breaking Justin Tuck’s record of 25.