How Hooper, Howard Can Guide Michael Mayer

The Las Vegas Raiders made significant changes to their tight end room this offseason.

Part of those changes was bringing in veterans Austin Hooper and O.J. Howard. Hooper spent a few seasons with the Atlanta Falcons before signing with the Cleveland Browns and then the Tennessee Titans.

Howard was drafted in the first round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and signed with the Buffalo Bills last offseason, but did not end up making the team, joining the Houston Texans instead. Both players joined the Silver and Black in March on one-year contracts.

The Raiders also made a long-term investment to their tight end room, selecting Notre Dame star Michael Mayer in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Mayer was viewed as one of the best tight end prospects in the entire class.

While Mayer is an excellent prospect, there is a learning curve every player must face when making the jump to the NFL, especially tight ends. It usually takes that position more time to adjust to the professional level more than others.

This is where the Raiders made a great move by getting Mayer two veteran tight ends who can help him adjust to the NFL in different ways.

Hooper has been a part of some excellent offenses throughout his career in the NFL. In his rookie season, the Falcons led the NFL in scoring and went to the Super Bowl. Hooper also made the Pro Bowl in 2018 and 2019.

Elite offenses can be incredibly demanding, so Hooper knows what it is like to take on that kind of responsibility and how to quickly become an important contributor. He can pass on things to Mayer that he has learned throughout his career being a part of several elite offenses.

Howard was a first-round pick and a highly-touted prospect. While he did not live up to that billing, he has still posted productive seasons in his career. Howard can help Mayer temper the high expectations placed on him as a prospect.

Mayer has to learn what it is like to play football at the professional level, and he has two veterans capable of guiding him in the right direction in order to become a successful tight end in the NFL. 

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