One of the most universally liked picks in the 2023 NFL Draft was the Raiders trading up in the second round for Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer. Arguably the best tight end in the nation over the last two years, Mayer fell to the second round after some speed concerns (4.70 40-yard dash).
While Mayer isn’t the most explosive athlete, he is a darn good football player. That’s why he leaves Notre Dame as the team’s all-time leading receiver at the tight end position.
In a recent article by Jordan Reid and Matt Miller of ESPN, they named their favorite picks of each round. Not surprisingly, they both loved the selection of Mayer in Round 2 by the Raiders. Here is what Miller had to say about that pick:
Mayer was my top tight end in this class, and the Raiders were able to trade up to select the Notre Dame pass-catcher early in Round 2. A legitimate top-20 prospect, Mayer will be a Day 1 starter in Las Vegas.
Mayer should immediately start for the Raiders and has a chance to become a weapon for Jimmy Garoppolo and the rest of his offense. But at only 21 years old, there is some upside left with him compared to the other tight ends in the class (Dalton Kincaid will turn 24 before the season begins).
Look for Mayer to have a big role in the offense right away for the Raiders. And don’t be surprised if he outproduces the rest of the rookie tight ends by a pretty wide margin.
