The 2023 rookie class at tight end was one of the strongest we’ve ever seen. Sam LaPorta (Lions) made second-team All-Pro as a rookie. Dalton Kincaid (Bills) was one of the most dangerous route runners in the NFL in Year 1. Plus, Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft helped change the entire trajectory of the Packers.
But one tight end who hasn’t gotten enough love is Michael Mayer. After catching just one pass in the first four games of the season, Mayer got hot in the second half of the year. He became a big-time weapon for Aidan O’Connell and showed just how bright his future is in Las Vegas.
In a recent article by Pro Football Focus, they wrote about Mayer’s rookie season with the Raiders. Here is a snippet of what they had to say about the former Notre Dame star:
Tight end Michael Mayer finished in the 91st percentile in receiving grade. He saw 37 targets and racked up 304 yards and two touchdowns.
Mayer was the youngest tight end in the class (21), so it’s not a huge surprise to see others outperform him early on. The good news is that Mayer took a huge step in the second half of the season and all of his efficiency numbers are off the charts.
Most tight ends take a big leap in Year 2 and we shouldn’t expect anything different here. Mayer has the ability to be a star in the NFL and he should see a lot more work in 2024.
