The New England Patriots have a storied history of drafting tight ends who become stars in the league, with none more legendary than Rob Gronkowski. However, a recent warning from NFL analyst Joe Tansey has cautioned the Patriots against drafting Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer, who bears striking similarities to Gronk.
As the Patriots head into the 2023 NFL draft, they hold the 14th overall pick, giving them many options on who to select in the first round. But could Mayer be too much of a temptation for the Patriots to resist?
In this article, we will dive into the reasons why Tansey warns against drafting Mayer and explore other top tight-end prospects that the Patriots may consider.
What did Tansey say about Michael Mayer?
Tansey believes that the New England Patriots should avoid drafting Michael Mayer. Joe Tansey of Bleacher Report pointed out that the Patriots already have two veteran tight ends in place and a clear need for a wide receiver. Tansey also noted that Mayer’s measurements are similar to Gronkowski’s, making him a tempting choice for the Patriots, who have the 14th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.
“Mayer could be the best player available on the board at No. 14, but the Patriots can’t risk taking him with two veteran tight ends already in place and a clear need on the outside at wide receiver,” Tansey said.
However, New England will still be looking for a tight end and Dalton Kincaid is set to visit the Patriots before the draft. Kincaid has already visited several other teams and has been compared to Zach Ertz by draft analyst Lance Zierlein. Zierlein praised Kincaid’s fluid route running and ball skills but noted that he needs to work on his strength and blocking technique.
Nick Caserio could also return to Patriots
In other news, former Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio could be returning to the team. Houston Texans reporter John McClain said on Texas’ Sports Radio 610’s “Payne & Pendergast” that he heard Caserio may leave his $5 million contract with the Texans to rejoin New England after the draft. However, McClain expressed doubt that Caserio would leave the Texans, given how happy the team’s owners are with his work.
As the Patriots continue their preparations for the draft, they will undoubtedly weigh the risks and benefits of selecting a player like Mayer, who has drawn comparisons to one of the greatest tight ends of all time. It remains to be seen whether the Patriots will heed Tansey’s warning or take a chance on a potential star in the making.
