Michael Mayer: Dynasty Rookie Draft Advice (2023 Fantasy Football)

The 2023 NFL Draft is in the books, and now it’s time for dynasty rookie drafts. Landing spots and draft capital have been determined, and we’re here with your dynasty rookie draft outlooks. Let’s take a look at what Derek Brown expects of Michael Mayer.

Dynasty Rookie Draft Picks & Predictions: Michael Mayer

Michael Mayer (LV)

Michael Mayer lined up all over the formation for Notre Dame. Including spots that got him the ball in space. pic.twitter.com/nCqX93d0k8

— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) February 22, 2023

Stats:

2022 (minimum 20 targets)
- Yards per route run: 1st
- PFF receiving grade: 2nd

2021 (minimum 20 targets)
- Yards per route run: 18th
- PFF receiving grade: 14th

2020 (minimum 20 targets)
- Yards per route run: 40th
- PFF receiving grade: 38th

Career
- 95th percentile college dominator
- 76th percentile breakout age

Scouting report:

Mayer has the receiving chops to be the second option in a passing attack. Mayer has plus speed, fluid hips, and the route-running nuance of an NFL veteran. His routes vary in tempo, with head fakes at the top of his stem. On vertical routes, he displays good bend and changes of direction.
He’s an early separator against linebackers and flashes solid late separation on the perimeter against corners. Maher can be used on the perimeter, even against press or man coverage. He has the requisite speed, upper body strength, and footwork to defeat this coverage type.
Mayer is mean as a blocker. He’s tenacious and determined to bury his defender in the dirt. He’s better inline as a pass protector and run blocker than as a pulling blocker or lead. Maher has a good anchor, but he needs to work on leverage. He has the functional strength and technique to enter any NFL depth chart and be a league-average blocker with the upside to grow into an exceptional blocker.
As nasty as Maher is with blocking, you’d think he would be a monster after the catch, but that isn’t the case. Maher’s play strength doesn’t consistently bubble to the top in this area. He needs to channel his aggression into breaking tackles after the catch with stiff arms, etc. Last year, he was 88th in YAC per reception (minimum 20 targets).

Player Comp: Mark Andrews

Dynasty Outlook: The former Fighting Irish behemoth is headed to Sin City after the Raiders picked him up in the second round of the NFL Draft. Mayer has been air-dropped into a tight-end depth chart full of schlubs. Washed veterans Austin Hooper and O.J. Howard are Mayer’s strongest competition for snaps. Mayer could be rocking a 90% or higher snap rate as soon as Week 1. Last year Las Vegas had the third-lowest usage of 12 and 13 personnel in the NFL, but that could change with Mayer. During his time in New England, Josh McDaniels has utilized a two-tight-end heavy offensive system, so it wouldn’t be a shock if he gravitated back to such in Las Vegas. Mayer could be (at best) the fourth option in the Raiders’ passing attack this year behind Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, and Hunter Renfrow. That comes with some projection because Hooper could be the full-time tight end out the gate, and Las Vegas could decide to bump up their usage of 11 personnel this season (18th last year). Mayer could be a weekly part-time player if these possibilities come to fruition. His outlook is unscathed for 2024, as he should assume the every down role with Hooper hitting the free agent market. Mayer is a borderline first-round rookie draft pick, with his floor being as a top-15 player in this rookie class.