TE Ja'Tavion Sanders Has Studied Raiders' Michael Mayer
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- The Las Vegas Raiders had one of the biggest steals of the 2023 NFL Draft with tight end Michael Mayer, who fell to the second round.
Mayer was one of the several rookie tight ends to have a standout first year in the NFL last season. The group has set a precedent for yet another tight-end class entering this year's draft, and Mayer significantly impacted that.
Ja'Tavion Sanders of Texas is one of the top tight end prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft class. He has used the film of former rookies Mayer and Detroit Lions Pro Bowl tight end Sam Laporta to his advantage as he prepares to enter the next level.
Mayer was drafted right behind Laporta, a player who, in only one season, he has already separated himself as one of the best tight ends in the league.
"[Laporta] made a name for himself and he showed why he was drafted where he was drafted and why he had so much success," Sanders said at the NFL Combine on Thursday. "He understands football, he understands leverage, just understanding defense is why he has success at the next level."
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer was one of the standout rookie tight ends last season that has helped inspire a new class of tight ends.
© Stephen R. Sylvanie | 2023 Dec 14
Mayer's next goal should be to reach that next step and stand with Laporta as a Pro Bowl player. Sanders believes the two have similar games.
"Like I said about Laporta, [Mayer] understands defenses, understands leverage, and that's big at the next level because you know they like to disguise a lot of things," Sanders said. "So, being able to understand football and understand defenses will help you have success."
Mayer missed the final three games of his rookie season due to a toe injury.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.
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