Las Vegas Raiders Score A Steal In Notre Dame Tight End Michael Mayer

What the Las Vegas Raiders are getting in Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer

Notre Dame star tight end Michael Mayer was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2023 NFL Draft with the 35th overall selection, which came in the second round.

That followed the Raiders first round selection of Texas Tech defensive end Tyree Wilson, who they took No. 7 overall. Las Vegas is in a bit of a transitional period in the second season under Head Coach Josh McDaniels.

Mayer ended his Irish career as arguably the best player at a position the program has produced so well historically. In just three seasons, Mayer set the overall records for receptions (180), receiving yards (2,099) and touchdowns (18) by a Notre Dame tight end. He also owns the school’s single season record in catches (71), receiving yards (840) and receiving touchdowns (9) for a tight end.

Standing alone in the record books at tight end at the University of Notre Dame is quite the accomplishment. That is especially true when you reminisce about names like Dave Casper, Ken MacAfee, Mark Bavaro, Irv Smith, Derek Brown, Tyler Eifert, John Carlson, Anthony Fasano and, all of whom have dawned the blue and gold.

THE WAIT

Widely projected as a for sure first round selection, Mayer shockingly fell out of the initial round on Thursday. To escalate the surprise, the former Notre Dame star ended up being the third tight end off the board.

That wait finally ended on Friday after disappointment settling in overnight. In the end, the Raiders found their top tight end with tremendous value.

THE FIT

With Darren Waller being traded to the New York Giants this off-season, it left a major hole at tight end for the Raiders. They attempted to fill it with Austin Hooper, who is a sound contributor but can clearly be upgraded. That could lead to Mayer, who would be the best player left available.

For a team that is going to be rolling out Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback, having a player who dominates in the middle of the field would be huge. When he was at his best with the San Francisco 49ers, Garoppolo relied heavily on tight end George Kittle. Mayer brings a different skill set but could provide a similar level of comfort and dependability.

WHAT MAYER BRINGS

Boasting a massive frame at over 6-4 and 252 pounds, Mayer brings a rare combination of physicality and competitiveness. Whether in the air or after the catch, he is able to win consistently through contact. As a junior his ability to win outside of his frame, even in tight coverage situations, was truly outstanding. 

Mayer produced at an elite level despite having subpar quarterback play in his final season, and without much protection in the pass game in each of his final two seasons.

The biggest misconception of Mayer’s game is his ability as a route runner. The Kentucky native is a flexible athlete who really excels getting in and out breaks, consistently creating nice separation at the top of routes. Despite being the focal point of defensive attention the last two seasons, Mayer was able to consistently gain separation and work himself open.

As a blocker, all the building blocks are there for Mayer to develop into a plus blocker. He really took a massive step forward as his junior season went along and made that part of his game a strength.

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