Michael Mayer Could Eventually Become The Starter

Las Vegas Raiders rookie tight end Michael Mayer will start out behind tight end Austin Hooper and maybe even O.J. Howard on the team's depth chart, but he has a strong chance to eventually become a starter. He doesn't have high-end speed or athleticism, but he has great size at 6-foot-4, 249 pounds and plays with impressive strength, makes contested catches consistently and is a smooth route-runner. Mayer will need to refine his technique as a blocker if he wants to stay on the field under head coach Josh McDaniels, but Mayer has shown the attention to detail, work ethic and physicality necessary to believe he can get it done. The 21-year-old will probably have a tough path to fantasy relevance in 2023, but he has plenty of long-term upside for dynasty/keeper managers.