The 88th NFL Draft is approaching as the NFL scouting combine has broken up, and the next step before the big three days in Kansas City this April will be pro days on college campuses. Although they don’t have a player competing for a top-five selection, Our lady has what almost everyone sees as a first-round pick at tight end Michael Mayer.
In just three seasons on campus, Mayer has set nearly every tight end record that can be entered in the Notre Dame record book. So how are NFL scouts and analysts looking at him now that the draft is less than two months away?
Here are the projections and opinions of about a dozen different experts in their latest NFL mock drafts featuring Mayer.
Patrick Conn, College Sports Wire: 26th overall to the Cowboys
Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
The Cowboys could lose Dalton Schultz to free agency after tagging him in 2022. They can add a top pass-catching tight end with Mayer this year. That will benefit them in the red zone.
Link to the latest Conn College Sports Wire full mock draft
Michael Middlehunt-Schwartz, USA TODAY Sports: 15th overall to the Packers
(Erin Edgerton/The Daily Progress via AP)
One consistency amid the Packers’ unresolved quarterback drama: Whoever is behind center would benefit from adding another safe target to a young receiving corps. Mayer might seem like a throwback to tight end given how many of his peers are often split out wide, but his receiving snaps are legitimate.
Link to USA TODAY Sports mock sports edition’s entire draft
Luke Easterling, Draftwire: 24th overall to the Jaguars
Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
The defense has a few holes to fill, but the Jags’ primary focus should still be getting Trevor Lawrence as much help as possible. Even if Evan Engram returns after a breakout season, Mayer’s well-rounded skill set and blocking ability would bring an extra element to a dynamic offense.
Link to full Draftwire mock draft
Trevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus: 24th overall to the Jaguars
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
With Evan Engram potentially out of Jacksonville after a career year, the Jaguars would love to add a reliable player like Mayer to continue the emphasis on the tight end pass game as running back Trevor Lawrence steps up in Doug Pederson’s offense.
Point: Mayer is one of the highest floor players in the draft. You know you’re getting a complete, productive tight end at the next level. However, can it separate enough to make a real difference?
Damian Parson, The Draft Network: 32nd overall to the Chiefs
Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
This pick screams “only in the NFL mock draft.” But it fits, doesn’t it? Let’s face it, if Michael Mayer goes down from the Chiefs, do we believe Andy Reid will pass him? Not me. Think Travis Kelce and Michael Mayer in 12-person packs. Mahomes is getting ready to terrorize defenses again.
Link to the full draft of the mock grid draft
Phil Perry, NBC Sports Boston: 26 overall to the Giants
Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Mayer has the ability to be a core player in any offense. Is he the world’s greatest athlete in that position? Probably not. But he has hands. And the ability to run after the catch. Brian Daboll, former Patriots tight ends coach, will approve.
Link to full mock NBC Sports Boston draft
Walter Cherepinsky, Walter Football: 28th overall to the Bengals
Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports
Cincinnati was interested in Trey McBride in last year’s draft, so they may use an early pick on tight end.
The next NFL tight end to come out of Notre Dame, Michael Mayer killed opponents with high production over the middle of the field.
Link to Walter Football’s full draft
Andy Molitor, Bleacher Nation: 24th overall to the Jaguars
Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
No comments on this one, just a shortlist you can watch it in its entirety here.
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com: 15th overall to Packers
Grant Halverson/Getty Images
If the Packers move on from Aaron Rodgers, adding a traditional “Y” tight end would help Green Bay transition to a ball-control offense that pivots to a run-oriented approach.
Link to the entire NFL.com Bucky Brooks mock draft
Rueben Frank, NBC Sports Philadelphia: 18th overall to the Lions
(Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
One of only two players in the entire BCS — and the only tight end — with at least 130 catches, 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns over the last two years, Mayer is an NFL-ready tight end who has the whole package — great hands, outstanding size at 6 -4, 250, disciplined running ability, great body control on foul balls and great blocking skills. With TJ Hockenson traded to the Vikings, Mayer will step in and be the TE1 from Day 1. Did you know the Lions have never had an 800-yard tight end? Mayer should be a rookie closer.
Link to full mock NBC Sports Philadelphia draft
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports: 21st overall to the Chargers
(Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Michael Mayer told us at the combine that he likes the way Travis Kelce plays the position, and while he may not be as athletically built, Mayer is already a better blocker. He’s also a legitimate threat on the field who it’s easy to envision quickly becoming one of Justin Herbert’s favorite targets.
Link to full draft Ryan Wilson CBS Sports mock draft
Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times: 15th overall to Packers
USA TODAY SPORTS
The Packers again avoid taking a wide receiver in the first round and instead find a replacement for Robert Tonyan, whose contract is expiring.
Link to Farmer’s full LA Times mock draft
Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: 9th overall to the Panthers
Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sport
With quarterbacks likely to be drafted ahead of them if they decide not to trade in front of multiple teams, the Panthers may have to go on the veteran bridge again and focus on upgrading the skill position. Mayer can be a dominant force to help out DJ Moore and give them a game-changing tight end for the first time since Greg Olsen retired.