2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves

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Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Michael Mayer celebrates with wide receiver Jayden Thomas (83) after a touchdown in the third quarter against the BYU Cougars at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves

TE. Cincinnati Bengals. Michael Mayer. 28. player. 56.

The Cincinnati Bengals are going to be a team to beat in the AFC for as long as Joe Burrow is under center, as he has entered the NFL and become one of the best quarterbacks in the game. He said himself that the Super Bowl window in Cincinnati is as long as he is the quarterback, so that is good news for Bengals fans.

This offseason, Cincinnati has done a nice job building up the offensive line in front of him, so they go tight end here. Michael Mayer from Notre Dame is the best tight end in this draft class, and by selecting him, they fill the void left by Hayden Hurst in free agency.

15. . LB. New Orleans Saints. Lukas Van Ness. 29. player

For years, quarterback Derek Carr was the starting quarterback for a Raiders team that was downright terrible on defense. With him arriving in New Orleans, it is a new start for No. 4, and one that he hopes brings the first Super Bowl to the Bayou since another free-agent quarterback, Drew Brees, accomplished the feat years ago.

In order for Carr to succeed, he needs a strong team around him, and with plenty of weapons on offense, the Saints go defense here at No. 29 overall. Lukas Van Ness is considered by some experts as a top-15 pick, so if he is still available this late on Day 1, the Saints have to pounce.

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