Five 2023 NFL Draft prospect the Jaguars must keep an eye on

No. 3 draft prospect the Jaguars must keep an eye on: Michael Mayer, TE

Even though the Jaguars signed Evan Engram in free agency, there’s a chance that tight end will be at the top of their to-do list in 2023. After all, the former Ole Miss Rebel signed a one-year deal and may hit the open market once again next year. Dan Arnold is also set to become a free agent, so the team’s brass must have a contingency plan in place and start scouting collegiate prospects in case they aren’t able to retain either Arnold or Engram (or both).

The Jags should probably start with Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer, who is already been projected as a first-round pick in next year’s draft. He’s the highest-ranked tight end on PFF’s board and rightfully so. Although he doesn’t have top-notch speed, he doesn’t shy away from contact and is willing to take a hit if he needs to make a catch in traffic.

Last year, he broke Notre Dame’s single-season records for catches (71) and receiving yards (840) by tight ends. And while he might have a hard time putting up similar numbers in 2022, he should once again have a productive season.

Tommy Jaggi of FanSided sees Mayer as a better version of Pat Freiermuth, who was a second-round pick in last year’s draft and a highly productive tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Jags passed up the chance to take Freiermuth in 2021, and they can’t afford to make the same mistake if Mayer falls into their lap.