The Green Bay Packers have been searching for a reliable tight end for the past decade, ever since Jermichael Finley’s last game in 2013. Although they have signed players such as Jimmy Graham and Martellus Bennett, these individuals were past their prime. Robert Tonyan showed promise as a replacement, scoring 11 touchdowns in 2020, but his performance has since declined after tearing his ACL.
Green Bay has made it clear that they are moving forward with Jordan Love and will eventually trade Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets. Unfortunately, they did not provide enough support for Rodgers throughout his career, only drafting one skill position player, Jordan Love, in the first round. With Love, the team must ensure that he has the necessary tools to succeed. While Love will face challenges, surrounding him with talented players can mitigate some of the setbacks.
Thus, Green Bay should consider selecting Michael Mayer, a tight end from Notre Dame. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 265 pounds, Mayer has been dubbed “Baby Gronk” by announcers during Notre Dame games. He had an impressive 2022 season, finishing with 67 catches, 809 yards, and 9 touchdowns despite playing with a backup quarterback all season. He would add versatility to Green Bay’s offense, opening up the middle of the field and creating one-on-one opportunities for outside receivers. His exceptional hands and physicality make him difficult to cover by linebackers, while his speed makes him a challenge for safeties. Additionally, Mayer’s knowledge of the game enables him to position himself effectively in a zone and make it easier for his quarterback to target him. Mayer could provide Love with a reliable safety net when needed.
Green Bay has struggled for far too long with their tight end position, and this is an opportunity to finally address this issue. Mayer has the potential to become a star tight end in the league and could make teams regret passing on him. If Michael Mayer is available at the 15th overall pick, Green Bay should not hesitate to select him.
