Bengals add a weapon that Joe Burrow would love in latest mock draft
The Cincinnati Bengals need offensive line help in any way they can get it. Both Jonah Williams and La'el Collins are question marks at tackle and it's clear Joe Burrow deserves better blocking up front. But you know how the NFL Draft works. It's not always about the biggest team need but it's also about […]
The Cincinnati Bengals need offensive line help in any way they can get it. Both Jonah Williams and La'el Collins are question marks at tackle and it's clear Joe Burrow deserves better blocking up front.
But you know how the NFL Draft works.
It's not always about the biggest team need but it's also about who's available and when. And in his latest mock draft, NFL Network expert Daniel Jeremiah has an exciting pick for the Bengals in the first round.
Way more exciting and sexier than an offensive lineman, at least. And Joe Burrow would likely be stoked about getting him in Cincy.
With the 28th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Jeremiah has the Bengals selecting Michael Mayer, TE from Notre Dame.
"With Hayden Hurst heading for free agency, Mayer can step right into the lineup and win contested catches for the Bengals," writes Jeremiah about the consensus TE1.
Many see Mayer as a complete tight end and that's in large part thanks to the fact that he's a good blocker, too. But you can't deny the fit. The Bengals will likely need a tight end and another weapon for Burrow could be worth the sacrifice of drafting a first-round offensive lineman.
Not to mention, many of the best ones could be off the board by the time they're on the clock. On the contrary, Mayer is seen as a Top 25 talent.
Dane Brugler from The Athletic ranks Mayer as his 24th-best prospect overall. The analyst, who has become the face of NFL Draft coverage over the last few years, describes Mayer as follows in his Top 100:
"For an offense searching for a true Y-tight end who can play inline as a blocker and win over the middle of the field as a pass catcher, Michael Mayer will be attractive in this range. He is one of the best contested-catch tight ends I have ever evaluated."
I can already see him becoming one of Burrow's preferred targets in money downs while defenses bracket Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Although OL remains the top need, grabbing Mayer at 28th would be a steal.
Featured image via Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
