Saints Draft Prospect: Michael Mayer

In 1993, New Orleans used a first-round choice on Notre Dame TE Irv Smith. It was the only time they've ever used a first round pick on a tight end. Thirty years later, another Notre Dame player might cause them to do it again.

The New Orleans Saints have spent a 1st or 2nd round draft choice on a tight end just three times in their 56-year history. Only once have they used a first-round pick on the position. This was when they selected Irv Smith out of Notre Dame with the 20th pick in the 1993 draft.

Smith played five of his seven NFL seasons with New Orleans. He was an outstanding blocker and had 134 receptions for 1,300 yards and 9 touchdowns as a Saint.  

Another Notre Dame tight end headlines a strong group in this year’s draft.

TE - Michael Mayer 

Notre Dame (Jr.)

6'4" 249-Lbs.

Notre Dame Fighting tight end Michael Mayer (87) jumps over Florida State defensive back Jammie Robinson (10). © Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Kentucky's 2019 High School Player of the Year carried over that immediate success at South Bend. Mayer earned Freshman All-American honors with 450 yards on a team-high 42 receptions in 2020. He'd again lead the Fighting Irish in receptions (71 for 840 yards, both school records for a tight end) and 7 scores in 2021.

In 2022, Mayer again led Notre Dame in receptions (67) and receiving yards (809), with his 9 touchdowns another single season school record for the position. He earned 1st Team All-American honors for his achievements. His 180 catches, 2,099 yards, and 18 touchdowns are all Irish career records for a tight end. 

Today's NFL tight ends are often bulked up wideouts who split out wide, threaten defenses down the field, and are average (at best) blockers. If that's what you're looking for, then Mayer isn't your guy. He's an average athlete who can line up outside the numbers, but is limited when he does.

Mayer can struggle to get release when facing physical press coverage. Even when he sharpens his route breaks, he has just average acceleration to gain separation. He has a long frame, but lacks fluid upper body movement to provide a wide catch radius. As a blocker, he'll have to get his hands in position a little faster to avoid penalties. 

Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer (87) makes a catch against Stanford defensive back Kyu Blu Kelly (17). © Michael Caterina / USA TODAY NETWORK

Mayer's style is more of a traditional tight end. He's a tenacious blocker with sound technique who is an extension of the line for the running game. He is also effective as an H-back or motion blocker to lead on off-tackle runs. 

As a receiver, Mayer has terrific understanding of zone concepts. He'll consistently find the open areas for the offense and smartly moves with his quarterback if protection breaks down. His ability to track down off-target throws make him a quarterbacks best friend in clutch situations. 

Mayer has soft, natural hands and excellent ball skills. He's a reliable pass catcher in traffic who has impressive body control and consistently finds the first down marker to keep drives alive. Unlike some at the position in today's NFL, Mayer is adept at coming off the line in heavy traffic to present a quick target. 

Mayer is an ideal short and intermediate weapon who challenges defenders after the catch for extra yardage. He makes up for average athletic traits with a great understanding of the passing game and a competitive demeanor as both blocker and receiver.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Michael Mayer (87) makes a catch against North Carolina. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Mayer and Utah's Dalton Kincaid will be the first two tight ends drafted, with each potentially going in the first round. With Mayer you may not get dynamic big plays, but you'll get a player that can stay on the field in all situations. He's a legitimate asset to the running attack and a reliable target in heavy traffic areas as a receiver. 

Converted wideout Juwan Johnson had a breakout year at tight end for the Saints in 2022. Johnson can be an adequate in-line blocker. Pairing him with a productive in-line tight end like Mayer would make both players more effective and open up the entire New Orleans offense.