Tight end Michael Mayer might just have the most promising upside of any player on the Las Vegas Raiders' roster.
With high aspirations after taking Mayer in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders signed the rookie to a four-year, $9.3-million contract.
Mayer was one of the top tight end prospects in the draft and was expected to be a potential replacement for former Raiders Pro-Bowl tight end Darren Waller.
The rookie got off to a slow start to his first season, recording just one reception in his first four games.
Something finally clicked in the Raiders' Week 5 victory when Mayer posted 39 yards on just two receptions. Las Vegas went back to the Notre Dame product the following week when it targeted him six times. He answered the call, finishing with 75 yards in the win over the New England Patriots.
Mayer was quiet again over the next four games but would record his first-career touchdown in the Raiders' Week 10 victory against the New York Jets. He scored one more touchdown in his final game of the season when Las Vegas scored a franchise-record 63 points in their win over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15.
Mayer's strong rookie campaign came to an unfortunate end after that game, as the 22-year-old tight end missed Las Vegas' final three games of the season with a toe injury. He finished the year with 304 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Mayer proved to be what the Raiders hoped they had picked with their second round pick: a solid blocking tight end who could also be a receiving threat when asked. The future is very bright for the young tight end, and Raider Nation should be very excited for what is to come from him in these next few years.
From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
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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