The 2023 NFL draft is just hours away from kicking off, and all of the predictions and speculations will be put to bed, and we will finally know who will be the newest member of the Chargers.
After numerous mock drafts over the past few months, with various prospects projected to Los Angeles, I put myself in the mind of general manager Tom Telesco and what he will do, only with one player that came to mind: tight end Notre Dame.
First off, Mayer comes from Notre Dame, which is a school where Telesco has a proven track of picking players dating back to when he first took over as the team’s GM in 2013, which includes Manti Te’o (2013), Chris Watt (2014), Isaac Rochell (2017), Jerry Tillery (2019), Drue Tranquill (2019) and Alohi Gilman (2020).
Aside from Telesco coveting players from the prestigious program, production is another thing he values.
Mayer set program marks at the position for receptions (180), yards (2,099), and touchdown receptions (18) throughout his collegiate career. He also owns the single-season tight end records for receptions (71 in 2021), yards (840 in 2021), and touchdowns (nine in 2022).
Then, of course, there is the need for a complete tight end, something the Chargers haven’t had since Hunter Henry. New offensive coordinator Kellen Moore’s system also utilizes a hefty dose of 12 personnel (two tight-end sets). In particular, the tight ends in Moore’s offense need to catch the ball and block at a high level.
Mayer showcases focus and strong hands in contested situations, the ability to get upfield quickly after the catch and the effort and toughness to bring down in open space in the passing game, and great fundamentals and effort as a blocker. He showed the ability to win from multiple alignments, taking snaps from tight end, slot, wide, and even the backfield.
This could be a different scenario if someone like Georgia edge defender Nolan Smith, Iowa EDGE Lukas Van Ness, Boston College wide receiver Zay Flowers or Texas running back Bijan Robinson was to fall. But ultimately, Mayer is a clean-cut player with few flaws in his game, the numbers to back it up and he fits what Los Angeles wants to do offensively.
