NFL draft expert Dane Brugler expressed his thoughts on the upcoming draft and the potential selection of Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer by the Dallas Cowboys with the 26th overall pick.
According to PFF, Mayer ranked tied for first in deep catches (8), first in contested catches (17), and third in deep yards (210), with a record of 16 touchdowns in his final two years at Notre Dame.
NFL Analysts labeled Michael Mayer as the Dallas Cowboys’ next Jason Witten
The Athletics’ Dane Brugler predicted the Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer to the Cowboys at No. 26 overall and probably the team’s next veteran TE Jason Witten citing “As one plugged-in league source told me about Mayer and the Cowboys: ‘I just can’t see Dallas passing.”
Many pundits also projected the promising TE to be the Chiefs’ Kelce, albeit his best “comp” is the Cowboys’ former legend, Witten.
The Cowboys consciously addressed all sorts of needs through the early days of free agency, albeit they didn’t look for the gap created after losing their veteran tight end Dalton Schultz to the Houston Texans this offseason, hence the franchise might be looking for a replacement of Dalton.
NFL Draft overall pick: Where did analysts put Mayer at?
Earlier NFL Draft analysts Todd McShay and Mike Renner placed Mayer as No. 26 overall pick to Dallas in their Multi-round mock drafts and cited the young star as a potential replacement for Schultz.
McShay referred to Mayer as “the most complete tight end” and stated his excellent ball skills can bolster the team’s offense.
“[Mayer] is the most complete tight end in this draft class and could be a plug-and-play starter as Dak Prescott’s new security blanket. At 6-5 and 249 pounds, Mayer is a legit blocker who would provide Tony Pollard with more running lanes. And while he’s not much of a vertical threat, his excellent ball skills would open up the offense at the intermediate level,” he said.
Renner gushed about Michael saying, “He’s an NFL-ready inline blocker with ultra-reliable receiving skills. His game compares closely to that of former Cowboys tight end Jason Witten, as well.”
Mayer was projected to be the top TE in the 2023 NFL Draft, albeit ESPN’s Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. alongside many other draft analysts disclosed the 21-year-old falling to the bottom of the first round currently.
“Mayer is the best all-around tight end in this class; he’s not afraid to latch on to defenders and block. Don’t discount his receiving upside, either. He had 180 catches for 2,099 yards and 18 scores in three college seasons. He can be an outlet on crossers and hooks and he’ll pick up first downs after the catch. Dallas also has scouted the class’ best wide receivers, so keep an eye out if one of the top guys drops”, Kiper said.
With the draft fast approaching, Cowboys fans and NFL pundits alike are eagerly awaiting to see which TE prospect they will select with the 26th overall pick.
