Michael Mayer | Notre Dame 6’4½” 249 lbs. | 07/06/2001 (21)
Michael Mayer was drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders, becoming the third Tight End and 35th overall player in the 2023 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
Michael Mayer came to Notre Dame in 2020 and immediately was able to snag some playing time and managed to have a productive freshman season with 42 receptions for 450 yards and two touchdowns. Those numbers were good enough to earn Mayer Freshman All-American honors. Mayer then officially broke out during the 2021 season where he snagged 71 passes for 840 yards and 7 touchdowns. Mayer continued to be a major part of the Notre Dame offense in his junior season with 67 catches for 809 yards and broke his own school record from the previous season for touchdowns at the tight end position with 9. Michael Mayer leaves Notre Dame as the all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns for a tight end.
FILM
Michael Mayer’s tape could be used for coaching tight ends across the country. He is always where he is supposed to be and shows great technique and football IQ. Mayer should have no problem getting playing time early as a rookie thanks to his ability to run block. The combination of strength and technique allows him to move defensive ends as if they were wearing roller skates. Mayer has also shown the ability to make catches through contact and has soft hands. The concerns about his route running and quickness are real, but when you watch the film it is clear he will win by being in the right spot more than shaking a defender with crisp route running.
ATHLETIC TESTING
Mayer tested out a bit better than his film may have suggested with a 4.7 in the 40-yard dash, a vertical or 32.5”, and a 9 ’10” broad jump. Overall Mayer scores out as a 7.66 relative-athletic score which is just a hair above average at the position. While not a dominant athletic profile, he is more than sufficiently athletic to compete in the league.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Good
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Excellent
Mayer was selected with the 35th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
Before the draft, I was trending towards Dalton Kincaid being my TE1 in the class. Post draft I will lock that in. Michael Mayer is likely to be a very solid tight end in the league but I do not think he has the ceiling that can make a difference at the position. With where he is going in rookie drafts though, I am likely to finish rookie draft season with either few or zero shares of Mayer to speak of. I don’t think you will be unhappy with him on your roster but I would prefer to reach for more upside. I expect he will go in the back end of the 1st and the early part of the 2nd round in rookie drafts while I would prefer him towards the back of the 2nd.
Thank you for tuning in to DFF’s 2023 NFL Draft Coverage! You can find me on Twitter @DougHarrelson. Stay tuned as we break down every fantasy-relevant pick during the draft. Please consider becoming our yearly DFF subscription so we can deliver top-notch analysis and fantasy breakdowns. Only $1.67 per month ($19.99 per year) gets you our 105-page Dynasty Rookie Draft Guide, access to the DFF Discord for free personalized Dynasty team advice, hundreds of Dynasty articles and so much more.
