Mayer was the third tight end drafted in the NFL Draft and should instantly compete with Austin Hooper for the targets vacated by Darren Waller's departure. Mayer's value is much higher in Dynasty than redraft, partially because Hooper is there and partially because rookie tight ends traditionally struggle to make a Fantasy impact. In redraft leagues, we aren't drafting him before Round 15, but that could rise with some camp buzz and a good preseason. In Dynasty leagues, he should be drafted in Round 2 of most rookie-only drafts. Don't be surprised if you have to wait a year or more, but Mayer has all the tools to eventually turn into a must-start Fantasy option in the right offense.
Raiders' Michael Mayer: Notches two-point conversion on SNF
Rotowire
Mayer was on the receiving end of a two-point conversion in Sunday's 23-18 loss to the Steelers, but he otherwise didn't record an official reception.
Mayer's only target resulted in quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo's (concussion) first of three interceptions, and the rookie was out-snapped, 55-34, by fellow tight end Austin Hooper, who also was held without a catch. Mayer has hauled in just one pass for two yards through the first three games of his NFL career.
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Raiders' Michael Mayer: First career reception in loss
Rotowire
Mayer caught his only target for two yards in Sunday's 38-10 loss to the Bills.
Mayer's first NFL reception came on the final play of the first half Sunday, but he failed to earn another target throughout the remainder of the contest, while fellow tight end Austin Hooper caught two passes for 20 yards. The TE duo has yet to find the end zone through the Raiders' first two games, but red-zone looks could be available against the Steelers in Week 3 if Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers are unable to clear the league's concussion protocol.
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Raiders' Michael Mayer: Tacks on two more catches
Rotowire
Mayer recorded two receptions on two targets for 20 yards in Saturday's 31-16 loss to the Cowboys.
Mayer participated in his second consecutive preseason contest and saw run into the early second quarter. He showed rapport with Aidan O'Connell on a 13-yard connection, his longest gain of the exhibition schedule. It's possible that veteran Austin Hooper plays ahead of Mayer to start the regular season, but the rookie should have a significant role in the offense.
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Raiders' Michael Mayer: Unavailable Sunday
Rotowire
Mayer isn't in uniform for Sunday's preseason opener against the 49ers, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.
A rookie second-round pick, Mayer has flashed during training camp and is line to take over as the Raiders' top tight end, a vacancy created by Darren Waller's move to the Giants this offseason. The Notre Dame product's next chance to make his professional debut will arrive Saturday against the Rams.
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Raiders' Michael Mayer: Scooped by Las Vegas
Rotowire
The Raiders selected Mayer in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 35th overall.
Las Vegas dealt Darren Waller to the Giants this offseason, making tight end a need. The board set up well for them as only one tight end went in the first round, and the Raiders were able to get a player that many had ranked as the top prospect at this position. Mayer (6-4, 249) is a "complete" tight end in that he's an asset both as a blocker and as a receiver. The Notre Dame product carried the Irish passing game during his three years in South Bend, leading them in receptions each of those seasons and finishing with 180 career grabs. His combine performance was something of a disappointment, as his 4.7 speed was not ideal for a player under 250 pounds. Still, Mayer projects to be in the mix right away for not just run-blocking snaps, but targets as well.
