3 Notre Dame prospects the Jacksonville Jaguars should target in the 2023 NFL Draft

1. Notre Dame draft prospect the Jaguars should target: Michael Mayer

Michael Mayer is poised to be the next great tight end in the NFL. He has all the tools, size, and acumen to be a superstar. His tenure at Notre Dame was record-setting and legendary. Mayer is pro-ready and will be a Day 1 starter for whoever is lucky enough to draft him.

Mayer was a four-star high school recruit out of Kentucky and 2019 Gatorade Kentucky Football Player of the Year. He turned down offers from Ohio State, Penn State, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Michigan to join the Fighting Irish. Over his career at Notre Dame, he hauled in 180 catches, tied for the third most in the storied program's history.

Michael Mayer is the Trevor Lawrence of tight ends. He is a mismatch in the middle of the field for any linebacker, and his in-line blocking will be an asset in both the passing and rushing game. He has excellent focus and is rarely distracted by challenging routes or defender contact. A good NFL comparison would be a smarter Jason Witten.

He should be a top 5 pick, but scouts note he is a bit slow off the line and lacks run-after-the-catch explosiveness. These reports have him dropping into the late teens on most mock drafts. While it is hard to imagine Mayer slipping past the Lions at No. 18, Trent Balke has to jump on him if he's available at No. 24. Pairing Mayer and Evan Engram in a two-tight end set would open up the field for Trevor Lawrence and the wide receiver crew, ultimately making the Jags a potent offense.