2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Michael Mayer, TE, University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer is seen as a potential first round pick. We break down the skill set he brings to the table here.
Michael Mayer has looked like a coveted NFL draft prospect since his freshman year at Notre Dame. He’s been a big part of the Fighting Irish’s offense in each of the last three seasons, especially last season when he led all FBS tight ends in touchdowns, contested catches, and PFF grade.
Mayer is considered the top tight end in this class by some analysts and is likely to hear his name called on night one. I break down the strengths and weaknesses in his game here.
Overview
Birthdate: 7/6/2001
Height/Weight: 6-foot- 4 ½, 249 pounds
High School: Covington Catholic HS (Alexandria, KY)
Recruit (247): 2020 class 5 star No. 32 Natl No. 2 TE
2022 Stats: 101 T 67 R 809 Yds 9 TD
2022 PFF: 92.5
2021 Stats: 95 R 71 R 840 Yds 7 TD
2021 PFF: 80.6
Strengths
- Route Running
- Changes directions pretty well for someone at his size.
- Can run a variety of different routes well to different parts of the field.
- Does a good job of selling one route then going another direction to create separation.
- Finds holes in zones and settles in to create throwing lanes well.
- Big part of Notre Dame’s offense for all three seasons of career.
- In 2022 he lead the Fighting Irish in receptions, receiving yards and receiving TDs.
- Also led all FBS TEs in touchdowns (9), contested catches (17), and PFF grade (92.5).
- Blocking
- Very good run blocker, most complete TE in this draft.
- Can drive block very well as he dominates leverage battles with his power.
- Also can block well in space against LBs or DBs to create rushing lanes for ball carriers.
- 82.1 Run Block grade on PFF was fifth in FBS amongst TEs with at least 114 blocking snaps.
- Contested Catch/Size/Hands
- Uses his size extremely well, doesn’t need much separation to make catches.
- Contested catch monster at ND – career 55 CTT 33 CTC – 60%.
- Ability to bring down 50/50 type passes will be utilized in the NFL as well.
- Avoids drops pretty well – 12 career drops on 180 catches for 6.3 drop % – pretty good rate.
Weaknesses
- Not Elite Athletically
- Athletic and fast enough to be a good TE in the NFL, but his athleticism won’t be the reason he’s successful in the NFL.
- Other TEs in this class are more athletic, such as Dalton Kincaid and Luke Musgrave.
- 4.70 40 yard dash (66th percentile for TEs) – not slow by any means but no the type of speed to beat LBs or even DBs coming across the field like some TEs can.
- Lack of elite athleticism puts a cap on his upside.
Final Evaluation
Pos Rnk: TE1
Projection: First Round
Mayer is the best all around tight end in this class. One of the safer projections to develop into at least a quality starting player in the NFL as he brings both receiving and blocking abilities to the table.
