Why the Green Bay Packers should take Michael Mayer in the 2023 NFL Draft
The Green Bay Packers need to address the tight end position this offseason. Selecting Michael Mayer in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft could certainly help the franchise.
Widely regarded as the top tight end prospect in the draft, Mayer is coming off a superb collegiate career at Notre Dame. He racked up a combined 180 catches, 2,099 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns during his three seasons with the Fighting Irish. This past season, he has put up 809 yards and 67 receptions with nine touchdowns.
MICHAEL MAYER. NOTRE DAME’S ALL TIME RECEPTIONS LEADER BY A TIGHT END ☘️☘️ https://t.co/IwEWqET4zF
Notre Dame is known as "Tight End U". The school has produced a plethora of elite players at the position, including Dave Casper, Ken MacAfee, Tyler Eifert and Kyle Rudolph. Yet, no tight end in school history has more receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns than Mayer.
It's time for a tight end makeover in Green Bay
Four tight ends have played for the Packers this season: Robert Tonyan, Marcedes Lewis, Josiah Deguara, and Tyler Davis. The quartet combined for 76 catches, 676 receiving yards, and four touchdowns.
IndState Football Alum Robert Tonyan with his first touchdown catch of the 2022 season today vs. New England. That was the 16th career TD reception of his NFL career, most by any IndState Football Alum. https://t.co/ZahNSSgLQ8
Tonyan had 52 catches, 586 yards, and 11 touchdowns during the 2020 campaign. He produced 53 receptions, 470 yards, and a pair of TDs this season.
Deguara is the only tight end under contract for next season. Tonyan could leave as a free agent, and Lewis will turn a not-so-young 39-years old this year. With that said, Green Bay could use a makeover at the position, and drafting a talented youngster like Mayer would definitely be the right move to make.
Michael Mayer would be a great addition for the Green Bay Packers
No one knows for sure who the Packers’ starting quarterback will be for the 2023-24 campaign. Aaron Rodgers is still under contract, but he may wind up retiring or getting traded to another team like the New York Jets or Las Vegas Raiders. Whether it’s Rodgers, current backup Jordan Love, or somebody else, the QB will need a solid tight end to pass the football to next season.
Mayer possesses a great size (6-5, 251 pounds) and is blessed with natural pass-catching abilities. He’s also a great route runner who has excellent body control.
Green Bay owns the 15th overall pick in the draft, and Mayer will more than likely be available in that spot. Don't be shocked to see him become a Packer on draft night and star for the storied franchise for many years to come.