2023 NFL Draft: The Most Intriguing Prospect on Each Top 25 Team in the Preseason AP Poll

Michael Mayer lays claim to the top draft-eligible tight end in the upcoming draft class. Mayer shared time with current Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble during the former’s first year at Notre Dame. After Tremble left for the NFL, Mayer relished the opportunity placed in front of him. He hauled in 71 receptions, 840 yards, and seven touchdowns in 2021, which happen to be school records for receptions and receiving yards in a season by a tight end. Mayer will be looking to break his own records this season, as he’s hoping to hear his name first among tight ends when the 2023 NFL Draft comes around. If he can clean up his blocking and continue to show that he’s an above-average athlete, there’s a real chance Mayer becomes the first Notre Dame tight end to go in round one since Tyler Eifert did in 2013.

I’ve got a three-pack for you when it comes to the Clemson Tigers. These three guys are all so highly-coveted in my eyes that it felt wrong leaving any of them off the list.

First up is Myles Murphy. Murphy is a gifted pass rusher that gets around the edge as easily as anyone in the country. He is twitchy and oozes athleticism. He possesses the ideal size that defensive coordinators look for in their edge rushers. Not only does he pass the eye test, but Murphy also has production to back it up. In 2021, Murphy tracked down the quarterback eight times. We can even add versatility to his resume, as he recorded 14.5 tackles for loss. Simply put, Murphy is a lock for the top ten in the 2023 NFL Draft if he remains healthy and can replicate the success he’s had in prior years.

Bryan Bresee, a former No. 1 overall recruit in the nation, is returning to Clemson to man the middle of their defensive line. Bresee moves incredibly well for how big of a human being he is. He, unfortunately, suffered a torn ACL early in the 2021 season, which led to Bresee missing the final nine games for the Tigers. Now, the monstrous defensive tackle is healthy and eager to get back to his dominant ways. He will be flanked by capable edge defenders, so the deck is stacked in his favor to regain his pristine image in the eyes of scouts everywhere.

The final of the three Clemson Tigers is my personal favorite, linebacker Trenton Simpson. Simpson is the embodiment of a “new age” linebacker. Similar to another former Clemson standout, Isaiah Simmons, Simpson can do anything that is asked of him as a defender. He exudes confidence and is nearly impossible to stay in front of or get behind. The most intriguing part about Simpson is how gifted he is as a pass rusher. He never has had to use many moves in pursuit of the quarterback because he simply just blows by offensive tackles. Simpson will have a chance to sharpen up his skills in 2022 on a defense full of studs.