Michael Mayer 2023 Dynasty Rookie Draft Profile
Position: TE
School: Notre Dame
Class: Junior
Date of Birth: July 6, 2001
Height: 6-4 Weight: 249 lbs
Athletic Testing
40-Time: 4.70
Speed Score: 102.9 (73rd percentile; PlayerProfiler.com)
Vertical: 32.5
Broad: 9’10
Shuttle: DNP
3-Cone: DNP
Bio
Growing up in Independence, Kentucky, Michael Mayer played for Covington Catholic High School. Depending on the site, Mayer was a borderline five star recruit. He helped Covington Catholic to a 5A State Championship as a senior and was named the MVP. Mayer was selected for the U.S. Army All American Game as a senior.
Mayer was productive as soon as he arrived in South Bend. In a Covid shortened 2020 season, Mayer tied for the team lead with 42 receptions and finished second with 450 receiving yards. All of this came as Notre Dame entered the ACC and made the College Football Playoff.
2021 was another step in the right direction for Mayer. His 71 receptions led the team with his seven touchdowns tied for the team lead. His 840 receiving yards was the 4th best mark nationally, trailing two future draftees in Trey McBride and Isaiah Likely, and true freshman Brock Bowers from Georgia. This also set a Notre Dame school record for receiving yards by a tight end for a season.
2022 was again another successful campaign for Mayer. He led the team in all receiving categories. His nine touchdowns led the nation at the tight end position, his receptions second, and receiving yards third. In just three years, Mayer finished 3rd all-time for Notre Dame receptions and top-15 in both receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
College Stats
Michael Mayer College Stats Courtesy of sports-reference
Positives
+ Tremendous ball skills
+ Great at contested catches
+ A threat in the middle of the field
+ Prototypical size for the position
+ Strong blocker
+ Three years of college production
Negatives
– Not an elite athlete
– Can get overpowered by larger defenders
– Does not always have the balance when absorbing contact early in the route
Highlight Reel
Archetype: Pro Style; would benefit from RPOs
NFL Comp: Jason Witten
Draft Projection: First Round
Bottom Line:
Mayer is atop the tight end draftees in what appears to be the deepest class in recent memory. He produced for Notre Dame in each of his three seasons. While not being an elite athlete, Mayer’s size will put him in favorable matchups at the next level. This rings true when he gets in the open field or contests for a 50/50 ball.
Mayer could get overwhelmed by larger defenders to bump him off his route in the NFL. And while he has prototypical size for his position, he lacks the athleticism others in this class possess. Given the depth at this position for the 2023 class, this likely drops his draft day value. That potential drop should not reflect poorly on Mayer; he has been hyped as a strong prospect over the last two years. This should lead to a promising NFL career.
For dynasty rookie drafts, Mayer’s value likely tumbles due to the depth of his position in this class. He likely finds himself atop the position, but this could wind up in the early to mid-second round. Pending draft capital at the position, this should land Mayer atop of fantasy football rookie rankings for tight ends.
Resources: DLF, PlayerProfiler, PFN, PFF, TDN
RANKINGS | DYNASTY |
