Todd McShay makes bold claim about Michael Mayer's draft stock compared to top wideouts

When Todd McShay released his Mock Draft 1.0 Tuesday morning, it featured a big surprise in the middle of the first round. The first pass-catcher off the board was former Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer — and he thinks it’s a no-brainer choice if the situation holds true.

McShay projected Mayer to go No. 12 overall to the Houston Texans. He also had the Texans selecting Alabama quarterback Bryce Young with the No. 1 overall pick, and he said that combination of Young and Mayer would be a great fit in Houston.

That’s why McShay thinks a tight end, especially one who’s been compared to Rob Gronkowski, should be selected over talented wide receivers such as Jordan Addison and Quentin Johnston.

“Some guys just look different, right?” McShay said on ESPN’s “This Just In” Tuesday. “Michael Mayer, this past year, it’s like watching a third-year veteran in the NFL playing at the college level for a year like he just got dropped in. He fits the part in terms of physically. He’s a really good blocker.

“Most importantly, his instincts and understanding and feel in the pass game, his ball skills and then after the catch, he’s a bulldozer. He’s like a mini Gronk. That was his nickname. He’ll just run over guys. He lacks elite speed, but that’s it. Outside of that, he’s a complete player. If you’re drafting a quarterback at one and then, you get an opportunity to bring in that security blanket, I would love that combination if you get Bryce Young at one and then, Michael Mayer at 12.”

Mayer was Notre Dame’s leading receiver by a sizable margin this season, totaling 809 yards and nine touchdowns for the Fighting Irish. He also set multiple program records, including the most touchdown receptions by a tight end in Notre Dame history. He announced his decision to opt out of the Gator Bowl and prepare for the draft Dec. 7.