The Raiders’ recent draft history has been… less than spectacular. Is that a nice enough way to put it? Vegas only has a few leftover players from the disastrous Mike Mayock tenure, namely Maxx Crosby and Josh Jacobs. Although Mayock acquired two of the best players on the roster, he’s also a major reason why current GM Dave Ziegler has spent two offseasons cleaning up messes. Luckily, with Michael Mayer in tow, things are looking up in Sin City.
The Raiders’ 2023 NFL Draft Class Is Showing Promise, Albeit Slowly
The most recent draft class provides some optimism in the form of multiple potential long-term starters. Tyree Wilson and Jakorian Bennett are raw but extremely talented rookies. Fourth-rounder Aidan O’Connell spot-started earlier in the year — and could be the starter going forward if Jimmy Garoppolo remains on the shelf.
These big three names garner most of the headlines when discussing the 2023 class. However, as the great Jedi Master Yoda once said, “There is another”. That other? Notre Dame alum Michael Mayer. No, not Michael Myers from the Halloween franchise… although the two of them look similar in one way: they slice and dice up anyone in their way.
At No. 35 overall, the Raiders tabbed Mayer as the centerpiece for their new-look tight end room. With Darren Waller getting sent to New York — and journeyman veteran Austin Hooper as the only competition — many expected the first-year player to seize the top spot on the depth chart immediately.
Alas, that didn’t happen. At least, not as swiftly as Raider Nation would have hoped. Thanks to a nagging injury in the offseason, Mayer was unable to get out there and battle with the boys. This absence might have led to an even steeper learning curve, as the young tight end looked overwhelmed with his blocking assignments early on.
His struggles in the blocking phase followed him into the preseason and, in turn, the first few weeks of the regular season. It is fair to say that Mayer was placed in Josh McDaniels’ doghouse to open the 2023 campaign.
Michael Mayer Is Beginning To Heat Up
Of Mayer’s 32 snaps in Week 1, 27 saw him as an in-line blocker (3 special teams reps; 2 reps from the slot). He played even fewer snaps the next week but steadily increased his field time in each of the ensuing three games.
But Week 6 is when the Michael Mayer we’ve all been waiting for posted his breakout performance against the New England Patriots. After improving his effort and consistency as an in-line blocker, McDaniels began mixing Mayer into the passing game more often. He nearly doubled his snaps from the slot on the year with 13 such plays.
Mayer parlayed more freedom as a route runner into his biggest showing as a professional. He hauled in five of his six targets for a team-leading 75 yards on the day. In comparison, Mayer only received five targets (3 catches) in the first five games combined.
McDaniels and Co. clearly saw whatever they needed to see from Mayer, taking the training wheels off and letting their cheat code on offense be a cheat code. The traits to be a difference maker are there in spades; they jumped off his collegiate tape. All he needed was the opportunity.
Raiders OC Mick Lombardi Has High Praise For Mayer
Raiders offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi got asked about Mayer’s performance earlier in the week. “Mike did a lot of things in the passing game and running game like we discussed back in previous weeks,” Lombardi said.
“His role is growing, his production is growing, and I’ve seen a player who’s gained a little confidence from the production … But like I told you guys before, I think he felt some production from his contribution in the running game and as a pass blocker and those type of things,” the Raiders OC continued.
“So, pleased with Michael’s progress. He still has a long way to go, and he’s aware of that. But he’s a player, like I said, that gets better every week. So, continuing to go on that journey has been fun.”
There you have it, folks! It is not just some guy who graded Michael Mayer as the TE1 of the 2023 NFL Draft saying this. His coaches are praising the steady improvement of the Fightin’ Irish product. Now, it’s up to Mayer to continue the momentum he started against New England. All signs point toward an impressive end to his rookie stint.
*Top Photo: AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth
