Notre Dame football: 2023 NFL Draft predictions
By Tyler Kruse
With the 2023 NFL draft set to kick off tomorrow evening, the 2022 Notre Dame football roster should be well-represented. Guys like Jarrett Patterson, Isaiah Foskey, and others should get their names called early, none earlier than star tight end, Michael Mayer.
Notre Dame football – TE Michael Mayer pick #13 – Green Bay Packers
It’s always a risk to take a tight end too early in the NFL draft, like Kyle Pitts to the Atlanta Falcons, but Michael Mayer makes a ton of sense here. The Packers aren’t in dire need of a tight end but could undoubtedly use a potential star at the position. Their leading receiver at tight end last year, Robert Tonyan, is currently with their NFC North rival, the Chicago Bears. While they’re returning a guy they seem to like in Josiah Deguara, he’s certainly not close to a star at the position.
Enter Michael Mayer, who was one of the nation’s best run-blocking and pass-catching tight ends last year. He was the best offensive tight end in the country last year as PFF gave him a 92.5 grade, just beating out fellow potential first-round pick Dalton Kincaid. As the unquestionable go-to target last year for Drew Pyne, Mayer thrived and set numerous Notre Dame football records.
Last year, Mayer secured 67 catches for 809 yards and 9 touchdowns on the season. At 6’4″ and 265 pounds, Mayer has enough size and athleticism to be a modern-day tight end in the NFL. He has the ability to find space and make contested catches, even against linebackers that can keep up with him.
TJ Hockenson, who has a bit more height but less weight than Mayer and put up much lower numbers in college against arguably worse defenses, went 8th overall in the 2019 draft. The Packers may have other focus areas, but Mayer would pair nicely with Jordan Love. In addition, having a safety valve at tight end that can also block for the running game is a solid addition to protect a young quarterback.
Another reason Mayer could be the choice is while this wide receiver class has some solid depth, there are not many great 1st round selections. Sure, they could grab the best WR available at pick 13, but I see few guys that deserve to be high first-round picks at receiver.