2023 NFL Mock Draft: C.J. Stroud back on top, Cowboys with a surprise pick
By Randy Gurzi
50. Michael Mayer. player. TE. Notre Dame. 18. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
18. Detroit Lions: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Michael Mayer is the tight end that comes in with the numbers and the refined game. He sat out his team’s final game against South Carolina in preparation for the draft. He finished his career with the Irish by hauling in 180 catches for 2,099 yards with 18 touchdowns.
Here, he joins the Detroit Lions who had a second half of the season to remember. Suddenly a team to watch in 2023, Mayer joins Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams to give the Lions a promising aerial attack. That’s a huge change from just a couple of years ago when there was no one they could truly depend on outside of T.J. Hockenson (who Mayer will now be replacing).
19. player. 52. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. CB. Oregon. Christian Gonzalez
19. Jacksonville Jaguars: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Another team that really turned it up a notch in the second half of the year is the Jacksonville Jaguars. They’ll be playing for the AFC South title in Week 18 against Tennessee, which no one saw coming when they were 2-7 and on a six-game losing streak at midseason.
Doug Pederson has done wonders for the offense but on defense, they still need some help — especially in the secondary. That’s why they target Christian Gonzalez from Oregon at No. 19.
Gonzalez was a decent player for Colorado but really took off in 2022 when he moved to Oregon. He had 50 tackles, seven pass defenses, and four picks as he put his name among the best corners in the class.