Michael Mayer, Notre Dame’s 6’4” 265 lb. star tight end, burst onto the scene quickly in South Bend. Despite beginning his college career in 2020, when offseason programs were significantly limited by the novel Covid-19 virus, the 2019 Gatorade Kentucky Football Player of the Year recorded 450 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 42 receptions as a true freshman. Mayer predictably followed up his impressive freshman campaign with a stellar sophomore season, finishing fourth in the FBS among tight ends with 840 receiving yards on 71 catches, seven of which went for touchdowns. Entering just his third season with the Fighting Irish, I believe Mayer is the best tight end in college football. What makes Mayer so special? Let’s dive into the tape!
Mayer is the most well-rounded tight end prospect I’ve scouted in the last five years, and this is just two years removed from finishing his high school career. He is a skilled and savvy receiver who uncovers from man coverage with good athleticism and solid route-running. Mayer is incredible in contested-catch situations, using his size, leaping ability, concentration, hand strength, and alpha mentality to dominate the defender and come down with these tough catches regularly. With his ability to separate downfield, secure jump balls, and uncover quickly for short completions underneath, Mayer is a quarterback’s best friend who offers a valuable security blanket.
Many tight ends who rank among the best in college football as receivers are works in progress as blockers, but Mayer might be even better as a blocker than a receiver. He has the size and strength to resist powerful pass-rushers and anchor properly. Mayer is technically advanced as well, showing the ability to use his handwork and positioning to win reps in the trenches. Last but certainly not least, while some tight ends view blocking as a chore, Mayer is really willing and seems to enjoy his responsibilities as a blocker.
Tight end is not a position that typically dominates the opening selections of the NFL Draft, as a total of just 15 tight ends have been selected in the top 10 of the NFL Draft since 1967, with Kyle Pitts becoming the highest-drafted tight end in NFL history in 2021 when the Atlanta Falcons selected him fourth overall. Could Mayer equal or even break Pitts’ record? It’s possible, though I think the presence of other potential blue-chip prospects whose positions are traditionally valued ahead of tight ends such as Will Anderson, Jalen Carter, C.J. Stroud, and Bryce Young might put that lofty honor out of his reach and out of his control. However, I firmly believe Mayer will become a top 10 selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
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It is extremely rare for a tight end prospect to be an elite receiver and an elite blocker, and have several years of high-level production at the college level. That is exactly who I believe Mayer will be as a prospect come next spring. An NFL team will relish the opportunity to draft a difference-maker at a position with few across the league. Arguably the best three tight ends in the NFL currently are Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews, and George Kittle. Each of the three is not only a great receiver but a formidable blocker too and is a highly competitive player on the football field. Mayer checks all three boxes. Having an elite-level tight end is a rare and precious commodity that can propel an offense’s level, and I believe an NFL team will thus be motivated to select Mayer in the top 10 of the 2023 NFL Draft and will see that dream come to fruition.
