Buffalo Bills 2023 NFL Draft: 3 players and 1 game to watch in Week 1

Buffalo Bills 2023 Draft Prospect to Watch: TE Michael Mayer, Notre Dame

Measurables: 6-4, 251lbs

Game: #5 Notre Dame vs. #2 Ohio State (Saturday 9/3, 7:30 PM ABC)

The best tight end prospect since Kyle Pitts in 2021, Michael Mayer looks to continue the long lineage of Notre Dame tight ends making it to the NFL. With over 100 receptions and 1,200 yards in his first two college seasons, Mayer is looking to take the next step as a dynamic weapon for Notre Dame. Notre Dame lost their top receiver Kevin Austin last year, so Mayer is expected to be the #1 target for quarterback Jack Coan.

Mayer has an excellent build for the position and is a good blocker. He has outstanding technique blocking from his base to his hand placement. Mayer may not be the stand-alone best blocking tight end in the class, but he easily has the best combination of blocking and playmaking upside.

As a receiver, Mayer is smooth in his routes and does have the ability to split out wide when need be. Although he lacks elite speed, he is good and uses his body to create the right separation and angles to get open.

Mayer is not the type of player who can win jump balls or wreak havoc on defenses by being recoverable. However, he could be the most well-rounded tight end we have seen in the draft in a while.

A true three-down player, Mayer can go from being your lead blocker through the hole to a reliable third-down target for your quarterback. Teams in a league that sees most tight ends drafted for their receiving ability will be excited about the duality Mayer brings to the field.

What to Watch For: Against one of the best teams in the nation, Mayer is expected to be target #1 for Notre Dame. How will he play that role against a team that will surely be game-planning on keeping the ball away from him?