5 TE prospects the Panthers must monitor ahead of 2023 NFL Draft

Carolina Panthers should monitor Michael Mayer 

There’s a clear No. 1 tight end in the upcoming draft and that is Michael Mayer. The Kentucky native is Notre Dame’s all-time receptions leader, amassing 180 catches in his three years in South Bend. Since becoming the full-time starter in 2021, the prospects brought in 138 receptions for 1,649 receiving yards and 16 scores.

Unless the Carolina Panthers shock everyone and take Mayer with the No. 9 overall selection, it’s likely Mayer will not be available by their next pick at No. 39. But if Carolina did the unthinkable, they would be getting immediate production at a position they have neglected since Greg Olsen left.

Mayer is the consensus top tight-end prospect and with good reason. A quick look at the player’s tape shows someone with excellent hands who excels in catching the ball in traffic. While he doesn’t have breakneck speed, he uses his 6-foot-4, 250-pound frame to create the necessary separation in order to make tough catches.

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Carolina will likely look for a signal caller with their first pick. But if they bring in a veteran like Derrick Carr to provide another veteran presence, the Panthers may want to pair their new quarterback with a top prospect such as Mayer.

Draft and develop has been the message from Scott Fitterer. However, nothing can be ruled out at this stage as the Panthers finally look to solve their ongoing problem under center.