Saints Predicted to Take Offensive Playmaker in Latest National Mock Draft

One national analyst has New Orleans grabbing an offensive player in the first round of their latest mock draft.

NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah predicts that the New Orleans Saints will select Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer in the first round of his third mock draft, released on Tuesday. 

Jeremiah's article predicts that two other players that would fit an area of need came off the board before the Saints pick at 29th overall. He has Michigan DT Mazi Smith going to the Cowboys at Number 26 and TCU WR Quentin Johnson going to Buffalo at Number 29.

Two edge rushers that could also interest New Orleans came off the board immediately after the Saints pick, according to Jeremiah. He had Kansas State DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah going to the Eagles at Number 30 and Iowa State Edge Will McDonald going to Kansas City at 31st overall. 

Mayer is one of the top tight ends in what is considered a deep draft class at the position. He's the second of two tight ends Jeremiah predicts will go in the first round, with Utah TE Dalton Kincaid going to Washington at Number 16.

If this holds true, it would be just the second time in the Saints 57-year draft history that they picked a tight end in the first round. New Orleans selected Irv Smith, also out of Notre Dame, with the Number 20 overall choice in the 1993 NFL Draft. Smith would go on to catch 134 passes for 1,300 yards and 9 touchdowns in a five-year career with the Saints before finishing his career with the 49ers and Browns. 

Mayer is a 6'4" and 249-Lb. tight end who had 180 receptions for 2,099 yards and 18 touchdowns in three seasons for the Fighting Irish. He finished his collegiate career with 67 catches for 809 yards and nine scores in 2022, including five outings with at least 80 yards receiving. 

Mayer has prototype size for the position and is considered one of the better blockers in this draft class. As a receiver, he has the speed to threaten defenses down the field, the frame to excel on contested throws, and the route precision to be a consistent weapon. 

Oct 15, 2022; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Michael Mayer (87) runs the ball as Stanford Cardinal safety Kendall Williamson (21) attempts to tackle. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

Converted wideout Juwan Johnson led New Orleans tight ends with 42 receptions for 508 yards and a team-high 7 touchdowns in 2022. It was a breakout campaign for Johnson at a position that was abysmal for the Saints in 2021 and could still be considered a need.

In Jeremiah's second mock draft, published on February 21, he had Mayer going to the Cincinnati Bengals at Number 28. He predicted that New Orleans would select Boston College WR Zay Flowers. His first mock draft was on January 20, before the Saints traded former HC Sean Payton to the Denver Broncos to pick up a first-round pick. 

The 2023 NFL Draft will be held from April 27-29 in Kansas City. New Orleans currently holds eight selections, including four in the top 120 picks.