Raiders HC gives an update on rookie TE Michael Mayer in OTAs
The Las Vegas Raiders have a rookie in OTAs that is turning some heads and making Josh McDaniels extremely happy with the decision. That rookie is tight end Michael Mayer."Michael [Mayer] really is what we thought he was," Josh McDaniels started the answer to a question many have been wondering.The Raiders didn't go into the […]
The Las Vegas Raiders have a rookie in OTAs that is turning some heads and making Josh McDaniels extremely happy with the decision. That rookie is tight end Michael Mayer.
"Michael [Mayer] really is what we thought he was," Josh McDaniels started the answer to a question many have been wondering.
The Raiders didn't go into the 2023 NFL Draft with a huge emphasis on offense, because, well, the defense is so bad. But, after trading away Darren Waller, they did have a need at tight end.
Somehow, someway, the best tight end in the draft fell to them in the second round. Well, actually they traded up to get him, but still. Mayer is a guy that the Raiders fell in love with in the draft process, and on tape, he fits exactly what the McDaniels system likes to do. So far in OTAs, he is doing all the right things.
"[He's] a really hard worker, great teammate, tries to get better every single day, very attentive in the meetings, works at his technique very hard, wants to know how he can get better as being a pro," McDaniels told reporters. "A lot of these rookies come in and everything they're learning for the first time, and Michael is doing a great job of really trying to acclimate himself.
"I think he's actually taken some type of a leadership role with the rookie class, and that's great, those guys need it. So, very excited about Michael and where we're headed. A long way to go, like a lot of them at this time of the year. They don't know everything and they're making a lot of mistakes, probably more than most, but that's part of the growth process."
Respectfully, Mayer can be a "baby Gronk" in this offensive scheme. Sure, raiders fans hate hearing about the Patriots 24/7, but at the same time, Rob Gronkowski is one of the greatest tight ends of all time. And, that isn't saying he will be that or anything like that, I just think he could play a similar role.
The Raiders have Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers as their two main options in the passing game for 2023, but I think that Mayer could end up working his way into that starting tight end position over O.J. Howard, Jesper Horsted, and Austin Hooper.
Mayer can be a problem in 2023 and beyond.
