Height: 6′ 4 1/2” Weight: 249 lbs Arm Length: 31 5/8” Hand Size: 9 1/2” 40-yard Dash: 4.70s Vertical Jump: 32.5” Broad Jump: 9′ 10” Short-Shuttle: TBD Three-Cone: TBD Bench Reps: TBD
What’s the buzz?
Michael Mayer is another highly touted Tight End prospect from Notre Dame, who has been the consensus top Tight End for nearly the entire 2022 season and combine. Mayer shattered multiple tight end records for the Irish and does not take a single snap off; he plays with heart until long after the whistle has blown.
Running Report.
Smooth and fluid, quick when he needs to be. His acceleration is impressive but he’s “quick”, not fast. He doesn’t have the elite speed of a Kelce or Kittle, it’s hard to imagine him shaking a speedier defensive back. His route tree seemed a little limited but the routes he runs are crisp and efficient. He’s tough to jam at the line of scrimmage and shakes free of a block with relative ease. With the ball, he runs angry and is very difficult to bring down.
Catching Report.
Mayer has superb, steady hands and has no problem away from his body or in traffic. Of all the Mayer film I watched, I think I saw one, maybe two bobbled passes; there is no doubt that Mayer 'maintains possession’ when targeted. Catches in close quarters like the goal line could make Mayer a huge red zone threat. He also shows tremendous vertical ability when needed to go up and grab a jump ball.
Weaknesses. While he has the size and strength to muscle corners and safeties, he may not be the strongest or most physical when it comes to blocking on short yardage situations. His blitz pickup and blocking technique will need improvement.
Summary.
Mayer has been ultra productive at ND and is more than likely a day one starter in the NFL. However, I wasn’t blown away by any of the film and was surprised he was almost a consensus TE1 in this class. The top end speed isn’t there, he’s strong but not overpowering, and if his blocking does not improve, he may not be an every down player. Michael Mayer very well could be a better real NFL player than he is a fantasy stud.
Lazy comparison? Hunter Henry.
A lot of people have coined Mayer as “Mini Gronk”. I’m sorry, I just don’t see it; Rob Gronkowski was much more explosive and fluid entering the league. Mayer won’t be a yards after the catch guy, nor does he seem destined to be peppered with targets. Mayer’s role will most likely be near the 20’s, in clutch situations where the team needs a big first down. Ideal landing spots? Green Bay at 15th overall feels a little early but could be a tremendous piece for Jordan Love (Jordan Love right?) to build rapport with and grind it out in freezing NFC north battles. As you look through teams picking in late round one, not many of them need a tight end... Unless... Kansas City wants to start on Kelce 2.0 with pick 31.
College Stats Year | School GP Rec Yards Avg TD 2020 | Notre Dame 12 42 450 10.7 2 2021 | Notre Dame 12 71 840 11.8 7 2022 | Notre Dame 12 67 809 12.9 9
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