Michael Mayer is the Next Great NFL Tight End

While selecting Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer early in the 2023 NFL Draft may not be the most glamorous thing a team can do, it will prove to be a great move.

Send in the card early on this one.

The NFL game is all about creating mismatches, and that’s what this tight-end (TE) is all about.

As a former NFL Scout, I liked Mayer on his 2021 game film in an earlier article, “Is Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer Gronk 2.0?” I liked him actually better on his 2022 game film, embedded below in his evaluation.

I walked away from his 2021 game film with four questions, and Mayer answered all four of these questions with flying colors.

Let’s get to the good stuff

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will be reading off his name from the podium early on draft night because this Notre Dame tight-end can catch, and catch, and catch…

Did I mention he can catch?

Plus, there’s the added bonus that he is very skilled at clearing out areas for other intended receivers.

Let’s talk more about this

This is something I didn’t pick up on his 2021 game film. It really jumped out to me this past season.

Mayer showed a real knack for holding back or pushing defenders away from areas of the field where the ball was going to another intended receiver.

This helps to free up other receivers on the team and gets defenders that much more out of position to chase, should that receiver break free after the catch.

Mayer runs routes like a seasoned All-Pro

As mentioned, he has good size with a thick broad build. This makes him a real handful for defenders as he releases and begins lumbering right at them with the athleticism of a wide receiver trapped in the body of a tight end.

Ask USC.

The Trojans tried to do everything they could to stop him with no luck – – double team – – even triple team coverage – – nothing worked.

In general, linebackers and safeties tend to be stiffer in the hips. They tend not to be able to change direction as quickly. This has been a huge advantage for Mayer in college and will continue to be in the NFL. Mayer is a superior athlete who offers a fast shake-and-bake move at route breakpoints that forces them to guess fast which way he’s going. He can also give coverage defenders a quick outside move, before quickly darting back inside and securing the catch (while leaving defenders behind).

Mayer also has shown he can just plain out-physical defenders downfield and create separation with his active hands. It’s almost unfair if you ask me.

Mayer can also get way down the seams too.

He can box out defenders like one of the NBA big men down in the paint and/or he can plain put on the moves.

Expect Mayer to dominate the short to intermediate route levels in the NFL.

#87 Michael Mayer 6-foot-4, 265 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s Final 2023 NFL Draft Grade: First-Round (I would select him)

Projected by 93.2% (up from 92.9% on September 26) of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of January 25, 2023 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

First Round Mock Big Board: TBD

Level of competition: High

2022 game film reviewed: USC, UNC, Ohio State, and CAL (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

2021 stats: 71 receptions (99 targets for a catch rate of 72%) 840 yards (11.8 avg.), 7 TD, 52-long

2022 stats: 67 receptions (105 targets for a catch rate of 64%) 809 yards (12.1 avg.), 9 TD, 37-long

2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Athletic complete tight end who has good hands and he is an ultra-competitive blocker. Lines up in tight, in the slot or out wide. Crafty route runner. Excellent short-range safety valve who works back to his quarterback if he gets in trouble. Uses frame exceptionally well to box out defenders short-range, and he can put on moves or get physical with defenders to win at the intermediate route level. Dominant at creating and establishing route leverage. Showed good concentration in heavy coverage to look the ball into his hands. Showed improved catch radius too. Consistent leverage and positional blocker who gets into it and gives it his all. Inconsistent sustain, but holds his own. Consistent and productive prospect.

Final words

Mayer has what it takes to be a difference-maker in the NFL.

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He currently writes for Sports Illustrated New York Jets and he is the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. He can be followed on Twitter @firstroundmock.