Where Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer appears in latest NFL.com mock draft
NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah slotted Michael Mayer as the No. 3 tight end in his first top 50 draft prospect rankings. He has the former Notre Dame All-American as the second player picked at the position in his latest mock draft.
Mayer is the No. 28 overall selection and headed to the Cincinnati Bengals in Jeremiah’s second mock, released Tuesday. In that scenario, Mayer would begin his career with his hometown team and likely occupy an open starting job.
“With Hayden Hurst heading for free agency, Mayer can step right into the lineup and win contested catches for the Bengals,” Jeremiah wrote.
The only tight end to go ahead of Mayer in the mock is Utah’s Dalton Kincaid, who Jeremiah had as the No. 15 overall pick going to the Green Bay Packers. Those two finished the season third and fourth among FBS tight ends in receiving yards, respectively. Kincaid compiled 890 yards on 70 catches with 8 touchdowns in 12 games. Mayer had 67 receptions for 809 yards and 9 touchdowns in 12 outings.
Mayer looked like a top 2023 tight end prospect from his freshman year at Notre Dame in 2020. He leaves college football as its most productive tight end over the last three years, totaling 180 catches for 2,099 yards and 18 touchdowns. Kincaid, meanwhile, did not become Utah’s top tight end until a September 2022 injury to Utes starter Brant Kuithe. But when he did, his stock soared.
“Kincaid is one of my favorite players in the draft,” Jeremiah wrote. “I think he’s the most dynamic pass-catching tight end in the class.”
He ranked Kincaid accordingly in his top 50, at No. 9 — ahead of any wide receiver and behind just three other offensive players. Georgia tight end Darnell Washington was Jeremiah’s No. 17 prospect, and Mayer No. 26. Washington, though, did not appear in Jeremiah’s mock draft. An NFL team looking for a plug-and-play starter with a high floor would likely view Mayer highly if that team sees him as Jeremiah does. That’s why Cincinnati has been a popular destination for him in mock drafts so far.
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“Mayer is a physical tight end with strong hands and value in the run game,” Jeremiah wrote. “He lines up in-line, on the wing or flexed in the slot. He isn’t a sudden mover, but he understands how to set up defenders and utilizes his big frame to box out down the field. He’s excellent when making catches in congested areas.
“After the catch, he has the strength to drag tacklers for extra yards. He is a very dependable run blocker, as well. He latches on and runs his feet to create movement. Overall, Mayer doesn’t have elite athleticism, but he’s a complete tight end who will be ready to contribute right away.”
Mayer will be at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis next week. His on-field workouts and measurements are scheduled for March 4.
