Source 'just can't see' Cowboys passing on TE Michael Mayer

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

Source 'just can't see' Cowboys passing on Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Apr 18, 2023 2:29 PM ET

Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer could be at the center of the Cowboys' plans ahead of the first round of the draft on April 27.

A source recently told The Athletic's Dane Burgler, "I just can't see Dallas passing (on Mayer)" with their first-round pick (No. 26 overall).

The Cowboys need a productive TE after Dalton Schultz walked in free agency, signing a one-year deal with Houston. Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot demonstrated potential during their rookie seasons, but only combined for 30 receptions and four receiving TDs.

So taking a TE early is smart, especially Mayer, Burgler's No. 1 TE prospect.

"The Cowboys are looking for a tight end who can hold his own as a blocker but also move the sticks as a receiving threat. If Mayer makes it this far, it's a good bet he will have a star on his helmet," Burgler wrote in his latest mock draft.

In three seasons at Notre Dame, the 6-foot-4, 249-pound TE had 180 receptions, third in Fighting Irish history, along with 2,099 yards and 18 touchdowns. Mayer's combination of blocking and receiving ability checks the Cowboys' boxes.

Rookie TE hit rates are pretty terrible BUT Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer can do it all

✅ Early breakout & Early Declare
✅ Can play in line or split out wide
✅ Reliable hands
✅ Good in the run game as a blocker
✅ Projected 1st Round NFL Draft capital

What's not to love? pic.twitter.com/a4VbHccOQH
— Matthew Betz (@TheFantasyPT) April 17, 2023

The main concern with Mayer is his athleticism. According to NFL.com, his athleticism score (63) ranked 15th among TEs in the 2023 draft class.

However, Dallas HC Mike McCarthy can mitigate the weakness, developing TEs is his strong suit.

While McCarthy served as Packers HC, Jermichael Finley became a productive target catching 50 receptions or more three times in six seasons. Perhaps Mayer will also grow into a dependable starter.

The Cowboys front office has earned some trust after its three previous first-round picks (WR CeeDee Lamb, LB Micah Parsons and OT Tyler Smith) flourished. Mayer could blossom into a vital player, too.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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