Film Study: Raiders TE Michael Mayer

The Las Vegas Raiders traded up for Michael Mayer of Notre Dame, hoping he would become their tight end of the future.

The Las Vegas Raiders knew they needed to add a long-term option to their tight end room.

That’s exactly what they did when they traded up in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft to select Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer. Mayer was surprisingly available with the 35th overall pick, as he was seemingly a sure-fire first-round pick. But, fortunately for the Raiders, he will now wear the Silver and Black.

Mayer was considered one of, if not the best, tight-end prospects in this draft class. In his career with the Fighting Irish, Mayer caught 180 passes for 2,099 yards and 18 touchdowns. He is the all-time leading receptions leader at tight end in Notre Dame history.

Let’s look at a few of Mayer’s best games from last season and see what the Raiders are getting.

In Notre Dame’s game against BYU, Mayer lined up all over the field. He lined up on the line, in the slot, and outside and was productive from each spot. He made one particularly impressive catch in the first quarter on third-and-10 with a defender draped all over him, showing off strong hands and great body control on the way down to pick up the first down.

Mayer moves well for his size and has strong hands. He finished the game with 11 catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns.

In another productive game against UNLV, Mayer had a nice block on Notre Dame's opening drive that led to a touchdown. He also caught a touchdown on the Fighting Irish’s next drive. Mayer finished that game with six catches for 115 yards and a touchdown.

Mayer is a tight end who can do much more than a typical one. He can be a mismatch for defenses depending on where he lines up, and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo might quickly develop him into a favorite target.

The Raiders moved assets for Mayer in hopes he can become their next star at the tight end position, and if his Notre Dame tape is any indication, they have a great chance of cashing in on that move.

The Raiders' offseason workout schedule is as follows:

OTA Offseason workouts: May 22-23, May 25, May 31-June 2, June 12-15

Mandatory Minicamp: June 6-8

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