The Green Bay Packers may be looking to upgrade the tight end position this offseason and tight end Michael Mayer may be a guy that they keep their eye on. The Notre Dame product has been at the top of the board among tight ends for most analysts.

He’s coming off a strong junior year campaign where he recorded 67 receptions for 809 yards and 9 touchdowns in 12 games. The Packers haven’t drafted a tight end in the first round since 2000 when they selected Bubba Franks. They could be looking to end that drought this year.

Robert Tonyan is an impending free agent and hasn’t been the same since his injury and Marcedes Lewis is also at the end of his contract. Both of them still may not be the answer to put the Packers offense over the top and they may need to do that in the draft.

Mayer is a tight end who possesses really great ball skills and excels at making contested catches. His skill set translates to an NFL offense and is a very reliable target in the middle of the field. Not only can he catch the ball, but he can also block really well which is very valuable for his position.

His run blocking is very impressive and can definitely help open up the Packers’ run game. Teammates at Notre Dame call him “Baby Gronk” and deservingly so. He has a huge frame with the ability to make contested catches and is tough to bring down. The Packers can definitely use him after only recording 4 touchdowns from tight ends this past season.

The Packers hold the 15th pick and Mayer will certainly be available. There will be critics saying the Packers should finally draft a receiver but a duo of Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs alongside Mayer can open up the Packers offense in many ways.

Some people are concerned about Mayer’s athleticism and what he can do from an athletic standpoint. He wins mostly from physicality and his size which can still benefit Green Bay and give them a much needed security blanket. He can also help the Packers in short down conversions with his run blocking ability.

The Packers can go many different ways this draft but Mayer should be on their board. Tight ends may not hold the most draft value but having a great one on the roster goes a long way.

Green Bay needs a game changer and drafting someone who is nicknamed “Baby Gronk” wouldn’t be a bad idea. He will definitely have many scouts watching him at the combine where he’ll have a chance to show if he’s worth the hype.

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Javier Delgado is a lifelong Packers fan who is currently majoring in sports journalism at Arizona State University. He writes for PackersTalk.com and you can follow him on twitter at @javierrdelgadoo.

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