NFL Draft rumors 2023: Cowboys crush, Texans panicking and Eagles luxury pick

NFL Draft rumors: ‘Can’t see’ Cowboys ‘passing’ on Michael Mayer in first round

From the moment it became clear that the Dallas Cowboys weren’t going to keep tight end Dalton Schultz after he played the 2022 season on the franchise tag, it’s been speculated upon heavily that they would target a tight end in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, which happens to be at the No. 26 pick.

The names of who they could be targeting, however, have been revolving over the past several weeks. We’ve heard Utah tight end Dalton Kincaid, Georgia tight end Darnell Washington and many others. But apparently the answer might be the most obvious one and not a galaxy-brain solution.

The Athletic draft expert Dane Brugler compiled a full 7-round mock draft for all 259 picks (subscription required) and has the Cowboys selecting Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer. More importantly, a source told Brugler, “I just can’t see Dallas passing” on Mayer if he fell to the 26th pick.

Mayer would make the most sense for Dallas among the tight end prospects in the 2023 draft. Kincaid is more a slot receiver than true tight end while Washington is on the other end of the spectrum as a blocker that teams would be hoping could further develop as a pass-catcher. With Mayer, though, the Cowboys would get a player who is a highly capable receiver but has more chops as a blocker than others, including his would-be predecessor in Schultz.

The big question will be if the Notre Dame star will fall to No. 26 but, if he does, you can probably book the Cowboys making that call.