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Top 5 2023 NFL Draft prospects for Cowboys to keep an eye on

By Randy Gurzi

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) gets pulled down by Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Tre Mosley (17) on a punt return in the first quarter during their NCAA College football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on November 20, 2021.Osu21msu Kwr 06
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) gets pulled down by Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Tre Mosley (17) on a punt return in the first quarter during their NCAA College football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on November 20, 2021.Osu21msu Kwr 06 /
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Dallas Cowboys
Jan 1, 2022; Glendale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer (87) reaches out to score a touchdown against Oklahoma State during the 2022 Playstation Fiesta Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina/South Bend Tribune-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

For years, Dallas never had to worry about the tight end position thanks to the presence of Jason Witten. Once he left for the second time, they tried to turn to Blake Jarwin but an unfortunate ACL tear in Week 1 of the 2020 season put an end to that.

With Jarwin out, Dalton Schultz stepped in and played lights out. He followed his breakout season with another strong campaign in 2021 and is set to play on the franchise tag this year. Dallas and Schultz were reportedly far apart on contract numbers and it’s not likely the front office will suddenly stop pinching pennies in 2023.

That means Schultz could very well be gone if he doesn’t bend in his contract desire. The Cowboys could find a suitable replacement in Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer if he does leave. As a sophomore, Mayer took off with 71 receptions for 840 yards with seven touchdowns. He’s also no slouch in the run game as he’s proven to be a willing blocker.

https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1464781201273757698?s=20&t=vcVsuOIiNr4fq-YH2RpTzg

Notre Dame has a history of producing very competent tight ends. What makes them stand out is how they’re able to play in line while also performing as pass-catchers. That’s exactly what any team that lands this young man would be getting.

The one concern with Mayer is whether or not he will be around for Dallas to draft. He’s arguably the No. 1 tight end prospect and if he takes another leap forward in his progression as a junior, he could wind up being taken in the top 15.

Stranger things have happened, so it would be wise to keep an eye on him as a potential target.

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