2023 mock NFL Draft 3.0: Final 11th-hour edition (with trades)
819. . Tight End. Fighting Irish . Michael Mayer. 28. player
On the clock: NFL Draft Pick No. 28: Cincinnati Bengals – Michael Mayer, Tight End, Notre Dame
Mock Draft 1.0 – Michael Mayer, Tight End, Notre Dame
Mock Draft 2.0 – Michael Mayer, Tight End, Notre Dame
The Cincinnati Bengals didn’t retain Hayden Hurst and didn’t look for a replacement in free agency, they’ll need to find a replacement to help take down Kansas City as the best team in the AFC.
Mayer had a productive season for Notre Dame, with 67 receptions for 809 yards and nine touchdowns for the Fighting Irish to follow up on 71 receptions for 840 yards and seven touchdowns in 2021. He’s the best all-around tight end prospect in this draft and should be a Thursday night selection.
While Mayer can hardly be considered an elite athletic specimen, sometimes that doesn’t matter much as the tape. What Mayer is, is an excellently rounded prospect who can start from Week 1 and be instantly productive. Saddled in an excellent offense like Cincinnati’s, Mayer could be a rare tight end that contends for Rookie of the Year.
The Bengals need firepower to finally climb to the top of the AFC, and Mayer is an excellent fit to make that happen.