Raiders' rookie TE Michael Mayer describes his 'welcome to the NFL' moment

Every rookie, when they come into the NFL, has that 'welcome to the NFL' moment. Most of the time, it helps that rookie learn to improve because something didn't go their way. One Las Vegas Raiders' rookie has already had one of his moments, and he hasn't even played a regular-season snap yet.The Raiders have […]

Justin Churchill — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer
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Las Vegas Raiders Michael Mayer

Every rookie, when they come into the NFL, has that 'welcome to the NFL' moment. Most of the time, it helps that rookie learn to improve because something didn't go their way. One Las Vegas Raiders' rookie has already had one of his moments, and he hasn't even played a regular-season snap yet.

The Raiders have a lot of rookies this year, as they drafted nine players in the 2023 NFL Draft. Their first pick, tight end Michael Mayer, got introduced to the NFL quickly; his moment happened in training camp.

Raiders' rookie TE Michael Mayer's welcome to the league moment

When Mayer was drafted, it was thought the Raiders took him because he was a solid blocker in the run. In Josh McDaniels' offense, you must have tight ends that can sometimes run block and even pass pro. Mayer was good at both in college, but in training camp, he wasn't.

The Raiders had Mayer block Maxx Crosby in camp one day, and it didn't go well for Mayer, as it usually doesn't for anyone lined up across from Crosby. Mayer was knocked down a few times, and I'm sure he gave up the sack just about every time.

"First day of pads, my technique was all over the place. I hadn't been hit in four, five, six months. And he showed it, and I got embarrassed," Mayer told reporters on Tuesday. "And I think that was definitely my 'welcome to the NFL' moment. From there, I'm just trying to get better, trying to learn from it. I've gotten extremely better just going against Maxx in practice every single day. He's bringing it, I'm trying to bring in as much as I can, and I know it's going to help me this season and in the long run."

Getting embarrassed for the rookie tight end has made him appreciate it more.

"I hope there's an appreciation on his end; there is on mine for sure. He's making me better every single day I'm out there," Mayer continued.

We have already seen what Mayer can do when he runs routes. The rookie tight end showed that against the Los Angeles Rams as he beat a cornerback deep, using just his speed. However, his blocking obviously needed improving, and it surely has gotten better going up against one of the best every day in practice.

Welcome to the NFL, Michael Mayer.

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