Newsstand: Michael Mayer lands in surprisingly low spot in NFL.com top 50 prospect rankings
Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer can be found in the top 30 of just about any 2023 NFL Draft rankings or in the first round of most mocks. That has not, though, cemented him as the unanimous top prospect at his position.
NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah is among those who doesn’t have Mayer ranked as his top tight end. In fact, Mayer is not even second.
Mayer is the third tight end in Jeremiah’s initial top 50 prospect rankings, released Tuesday. He’s behind Utah’s Dalton Kincaid (No. 9) and Georgia’s Darnell Washington (No. 17). Mayer is still No. 26 overall, though.
“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 had 67 receptions for 809 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2022. Those ranked second, fourth and first among FBS tight ends. He finished behind only Kincaid in catches and was one spot behind Kincaid in yards.
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