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The Raiders made a smart pick during the second round of the NFL Draft on Thursday, finding a potential replacement for former Pro Bowl TE Darren Waller.
After Las Vegas recently dealt Waller to the Giants, it drafted Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer at No. 35 overall.
Mayer could be a steal for the Raiders since he was a projected first-rounder, per NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. His NFL comparison is former Dallas TE and 11-time Pro Bowler Jason Witten.
The 6-foot-4, 249-pound TE flourished during his final season at Notre Dame. He earned 2022 first-team All-American Honors, was a John Mackey award finalist and led the Fighting Irish in receptions (67) and receiving yards (809).
Aside from Mayer, the Raiders TE room includes Austin Hooper and O.J. Howard. Hooper started only two games and recorded a career-low two receiving TDs in 17 games with Tennessee last season. Howard played in 13 games with Houston last season and tallied a career-low 10 receptions.
So Mayer could quickly solve the roster hole since he can become a viable starter.
“Mayer might need to polish his route-running to become a high-volume target, but he’s a safe pick and will be a good pro who can become a plus player as a run-blocker and pass-catcher,” wrote Zierlein.
Raiders HC Josh McDaniels maximizes big, strong TEs like Mayer. While he was New England’s OC, former Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski excelled, making three Pro Bowls under McDaniels.
The Waller trade was controversial since he was among the team’s best offensive playmakers. However, McDaniels will rectify it if Mayer grows into a player of the same caliber.
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