Michael Mayer of the Las Vegas Raiders had a tough start to his career. In the first four games, the Notre Dame second-round pick had only one grab.
However, he has recently improved and has at least one catch in eight consecutive games. Tight end is a position where first-year players often struggle to make an impact. Interim head coach Antonio Pierce discussed Mayer’s progress since training camp.
“Let’s be honest, he got baptized in training camp,” Pierce remarked during a media appearance on December 6. “He was most likely embarrassed.” Pie in the sky. But he’s now dealing it out as well. You can see his self-assurance. ‘Big Mike’ is seen going around with his shoulders out and a little swagger. It’s encouraging to see. Rookies can sometimes encounter the rookie wall late in the season. He’s doing the inverse. He’s on the rise.”
Las Vegas Raiders TE Coach Praises Michael Mayer
Because of Darren Waller, the Raiders have enjoyed strong tight end performance in recent years. However, injuries began to plague him, and he was moved to the New York Giants.
Mayer has some large shoes to fill this season, and while he’s not yet a Pro Bowler, he’s showing a lot of promise. Jerry Schuplinski, Raiders tight end coach, commended the tight end’s work ethic and attributed his recent progress to it.
“He’s done a nice job in that, and I would say a lot of credit goes to him,” Schuplinski told the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Vincent Bonsignore. “He’s worked really hard on it, not just during practice, but before and after practice as well.” Everything from hand placement to head location to body control. He’s done well in all of those areas. If you follow him throughout the year, you’ll notice that he’s not always perfect. But he’s always had the determination to succeed, which is a significant part of it.”
For the most of his football career, Michael Mayer has been one of the top players on the pitch. He was selected Gatorade Kentucky Football Player of the Year in high school in 2019. He was a two-time All-American at Notre Dame.
He had a difficult training camp when he initially joined the Raiders. Mayer admits to his early problems, but he is gradually gaining confidence.
“I’m 10-times better than I was in camp,” Mayer said, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “And, like anything else, there is an element of confidence.” If I go out there expecting this man to beat me up, it’s very likely that it will happen. You have a better chance of success when you go out there knowing what you’re doing, understanding your technique and the appropriate steps, and being confident in who you’re intended to get.”
This season, the Raiders are averaging 16.8 points per game, which ranks sixth in the NFL. Mayer’s continued development can only help the club score more points. Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers are already very good wide receivers for the club. There should be plenty available.
