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We’ve heard every year for the past several about how the Chiefs need to start looking for a Travis Kelce replacement given that he’s on the wrong side of 30. Yet, here’s Kelce coming off of another year of over 1,000 yards receiving, nearly setting the franchise record for receptions and setting a career-high in touchdown receptions. Your thinking here probably shouldn’t be, “Hey, let’s draft a Travis Kelce replacement.” It should instead be, “Hey, let’s draft the most complete prospect at tight end in this class because we have the luxury to do so.”
At 6-foot-4 and 265 pounds, Mayer is a versatile option for a team looking for a guy who can do the dirty work in the trenches, but also pick up some serious yards in the passing game. Mayer can align in-line, on the wings or out on the perimeter as a blocker. He’s going to create movement whether he’s matched up against a defensive end, linebacker or defensive back.
As for Mayer’s expertise in the passing game, he’s managed 180 receptions for over 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns in college, with a lot of those yards coming after the catch. He’s tough to bring down once he has the ball in his hands and he’s a weapon in the red zone along with contested catch situations. He’s more elusive than he’s given credit for with a nasty head fake that often has defensive backs falling over themselves.
