Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Michael Mayer. Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

Will the Cowboys finally select their Jason Witten successor in 2023 NFL Draft?

The Cowboys may finally find a Jason Witten successor in the 2023 NFL Draft. 

Pro Football Focus' Michael Renner sees shades of the Cowboys all-time receiving leader in Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer. 

"Mayer, like Witten, lacks the long speed to be a consistent downfield separator. Despite Witten's athletic limitations, he still had a six-year stretch where he averaged 92 receptions for 1,018 yards. It easy to see Mayer slotting into such a role," wrote Renner. 

They also possess similar physical builds. Mayer is 6-foot-4 and 265 pounds, while Witten is 6-foot-6 and 263 pounds.

Mayer caught 180 passes for 2,099 yards in three seasons at Notre Dame and scored 18 TDs. He was also a 2022 consensus All-American.

Therefore, comparisons to an 11-time Pro Bowler are reasonable since he's promising. 

Dallas needs an elite TE. It's had zero Pro Bowl TEs since Witten retired, and Dalton Schultz is an impending free agent.

Additionally, drafting one adds depth to the receiving corps, benefiting Dak Prescott. 

Outside of CeeDee Lamb, no Cowboy caught more than 60 receptions. Coincidentally, Prescott threw a career-high 15 interceptions in 12 starts compared to 10 interceptions in 16 starts last season, when three Cowboys crossed the 60-reception mark.

Dallas has the No. 26 pick within range to select Mayer, who the Cowboys can develop into a preeminent TE like Witten.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Late goal sends Panthers to Eastern Conference Finals
Ex-teammate of Shohei Ohtani placed bets with same illegal bookmaker as interpreter 
Former Rams first-round pick retires from NFL after 11 seasons
Insider provides major injury update on Celtics' Kristaps Porzingis
Watch: Bruins strike first in Game 6 with incredible backhand goal
Dodgers make series of moves involving notable players
Giants rookie CF to undergo season-ending labrum surgery
Hurricanes not expected to re-sign defenseman, center
Paul Skenes makes incredible Wrigley Field history in second-career MLB start
Maple Leafs tab former Stanley Cup winner as new head coach
NFL insider expands on competition between Steelers QBs Russell Wilson, Justin Fields
NFL sets outrageous prices for Eagles-Packers Brazil game
Scottie Scheffler shoots improbable 66 after warming up for PGA Championship in a jail cell
Nuggets star has worrying comment about latest injury
Broncos 'very unlikely' to bring back former NFL interceptions leader
Greg Olsen offers broadcasting advice to Tom Brady
Yankees' Juan Soto reacts to Hal Steinbrenner contract talk
Mets star has theory about closer Edwin Diaz's recent struggles
Scottie Scheffler arrested, still makes PGA Championship tee time
Timberwolves chew up Nuggets to force Game 7