ESPN’s 2025 NFL Offseason: Michael Mayer Emerges as the Las Vegas Raiders’ Biggest Surprise…
Introduction: A New Era for the Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders are entering the 2025 NFL season with a renewed sense of optimism, driven by a revamped roster, a new coaching staff led by Pete Carroll, and an offensive scheme under coordinator Chip Kelly that promises to unlock the potential of their young talent. In ESPN’s recent article, *2025 NFL Offseason: Biggest Surprise Players on Each Team*, tight end Michael Mayer emerged as a standout surprise for the Raiders, poised to make a significant impact in his third NFL season. Despite a challenging 2024 campaign, Mayer’s potential for a breakout year has sparked excitement among fans and analysts alike. This article explores Mayer’s journey, the factors contributing to his projected resurgence, and why he could be a game-changer for the Raiders in 2025.
## Michael Mayer’s Early Career: Promise and Challenges
### A Highly Touted Prospect
Michael Mayer entered the NFL with high expectations after being selected by the Raiders in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft (No. 35 overall). Coming out of Notre Dame, Mayer was regarded as one of the top tight end prospects in his class, known for his blend of receiving prowess and blocking ability. At 6-foot-4 and 265 pounds, Mayer possessed the size, athleticism, and football IQ to be a versatile weapon. His college career was highlighted by 180 receptions, 2,099 yards, and 18 touchdowns, earning him comparisons to elite NFL tight ends.
In his rookie season, Mayer showed flashes of potential, recording 27 receptions for 304 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games. While these numbers were modest, they underscored his ability to contribute as both a receiver and a blocker in a Raiders offense that was still finding its identity. However, his role was somewhat limited due to the team’s quarterback instability and a conservative offensive approach under then-coach Josh McDaniels.
### The 2024 Setback
The 2024 season was a difficult one for Mayer. The arrival of first-round pick Brock Bowers, another elite tight end, significantly reduced Mayer’s opportunities. Bowers exploded onto the scene, amassing 112 receptions for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the NFL’s premier tight ends as a rookie. Meanwhile, Mayer’s production dipped, as he recorded just 21 receptions for 156 yards and no touchdowns in 11 games, with seven weeks missed due to personal reasons. The emergence of Bowers, combined with Mayer’s absence, led to speculation about his future with the team, with some even suggesting he could be a trade candidate.
Despite these challenges, Mayer’s skill set and potential remained undeniable. His 99th percentile rate in positively blocked run plays and 77th percentile separation rate, as noted by Pro Football Focus, highlighted his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game. The Raiders’ decision to retain Mayer signaled their belief in his ability to rebound and complement Bowers in their offensive scheme.
## The 2025 Offseason: A Turning Point
### Pete Carroll’s Influence and Chip Kelly’s Vision
The Raiders’ 2025 offseason marked a significant shift, with the hiring of Pete Carroll as head coach and Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator. Carroll, known for his player-centric approach, emphasized building relationships with his players during organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp. According to ESPN’s Ryan McFadden, Carroll had a “heart-to-heart conversation” with Mayer, laying out clear expectations for the young tight end. This dialogue instilled confidence in Mayer, who responded with standout performances during minicamp, including an impressive touchdown grab from quarterback Geno Smith.
Chip Kelly’s offensive scheme is particularly exciting for Mayer’s prospects. Kelly has a history of utilizing tight ends creatively, often deploying them in versatile roles to exploit mismatches. His system emphasizes 12 personnel (two tight end sets), which the Raiders used frequently in 2024, ranking fourth in the NFL in snaps out of 12, 13, or 14 personnel. This approach aligns perfectly with the skill sets of Mayer and Bowers, who can both line up inline, in the slot, or even out wide. Kelly’s play-calling is expected to maximize Mayer’s opportunities as a receiver while leveraging his blocking prowess to open up the run game for rookie running back Ashton Jeanty, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 draft.
### Geno Smith’s Arrival
The Raiders’ acquisition of quarterback Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks was a pivotal move for their offensive outlook. Smith, who threw the 10th-most passes to tight ends in the NFL in 2024, is known for his ability to distribute the ball effectively to his playmakers. His presence provides Mayer with a reliable and experienced quarterback, a significant upgrade from the inconsistent quarterback play the Raiders experienced in previous seasons. Smith’s leadership and chemistry with Mayer were evident during minicamp, where Mayer’s touchdown catch showcased their growing connection.
## Why Michael Mayer is Poised for a Breakout
### Complementary Role with Brock Bowers
While Brock Bowers is the undisputed star of the Raiders’ tight end room, his presence could paradoxically benefit Mayer. Defenses are likely to focus on neutralizing Bowers, who proved to be a matchup nightmare in 2024. This attention could create opportunities for Mayer, who can exploit single coverage or operate in underneath routes while Bowers stretches the field. The Raiders’ use of two-tight-end sets allows Mayer to stay on the field, either as a traditional inline tight end or in a hybrid role, increasing his chances to make plays.
Mayer’s blocking ability also complements Bowers, who is primarily a receiving threat. With Kelly’s scheme likely to feature Bowers split out wide more often, Mayer can anchor the inline position, contributing to the run game while still being a reliable target in the passing game. This dynamic duo could make the Raiders’ offense unpredictable, forcing defenses to account for multiple threats.
### A Favorable Offensive Environment
The Raiders’ 2025 offense is shaping up to be more dynamic than in previous years. In addition to Smith and Jeanty, the team drafted wide receiver Jack Bech in the second round, adding another young playmaker to the mix. However, the Raiders’ receiving corps remains relatively thin, with veterans like Jakobi Meyers providing stability but lacking elite depth. This situation elevates the importance of the tight end position, giving Mayer a chance to carve out a significant role.
Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus named Mayer to the 2025 NFL All-Breakout Team, citing his potential to capitalize on the improved offensive environment. Locker noted that Mayer’s ability to generate separation and his effectiveness as a blocker make him a perfect fit for Kelly’s system. With Smith targeting tight ends frequently and the Raiders’ offense expected to open up, Mayer could see a significant uptick in targets and production.
### Mental and Physical Growth
Mayer’s absence for personal reasons in 2024 was a setback, but reports indicate he is in a better place mentally entering 2025. His work ethic and commitment to improving have been praised by Carroll and his staff, who see him as a player with untapped potential. Physically, Mayer has used the offseason to refine his route-running and pass-blocking technique, as evidenced by his performance during OTAs. These improvements, combined with his natural talent, position him for a career-best season.
## The Impact of a Breakout Season
### Elevating the Raiders’ Offense
A breakout season from Mayer would transform the Raiders’ offense into one of the most versatile in the AFC West. With Bowers, Jeanty, and Mayer as primary weapons, the Raiders could create mismatches across the field, challenging even the stoutest defenses. Mayer’s ability to contribute as both a receiver and a blocker would add balance to the offense, allowing Kelly to call a wide range of plays, from play-action passes to power runs.
### Fantasy Football Implications
Mayer’s potential breakout has also caught the attention of fantasy football analysts. ESPN’s *Fantasy Football 2025: Sleepers, Breakouts, and Busts* highlighted Mayer as a sleeper candidate, noting his low average draft position (ADP) but high upside in Kelly’s offense. A season with 50-60 receptions, 600-700 yards, and 5-6 touchdowns is within reach, making him a valuable late-round pick for fantasy managers.
### Long-Term Potential
At just 23 years old, Mayer is still early in his NFL journey. A breakout season in 2025 could solidify his role as a cornerstone of the Raiders’ offense alongside Bowers. With two years left on his rookie contract, Mayer has the opportunity to prove he’s worth a long-term extension, potentially forming one of the league’s best tight end tandems for years to come.
## Conclusion: The Stage is Set for Mayer’s Rise
Michael Mayer’s designation as the Raiders’ biggest surprise player in ESPN’s *2025 NFL Offseason* article reflects the growing excitement around his potential. After a challenging 2024, Mayer is poised to rebound under the guidance of Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly, with Geno Smith as his quarterback and Brock Bowers as his running mate. His versatility, improved mental and physical preparation, and the Raiders’ favorable offensive scheme set the stage for a breakout season. As the Raiders aim to improve on their 4-13 record and contend in the AFC West, Mayer’s emergence could be the key to unlocking their offensive potential, making him a player to watch in 2025.
**Sources**:
– ESPN: *2025 NFL Offseason: Biggest Surprise Players on Each Team*[](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45583046/nfl-2025-biggest-surprise-players-every-team-offseason)
– ESPN: *Raiders TE Michael Mayer Breakout Year? New Safety Tag Team? Plus Other Vegas Minicamp Observations*[](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45524879/raiders-2025-minicamp-pete-carroll-ashton-jeanty-geno-smith)
– Pro Football Focus: *2025 NFL All-BESPN: *Fantasy Football 2025: Sleepers, Breakouts, and Busts*[](https://www.espn.ph/ffl/story/_/page/FFSleepBustBreak25-45429092/fantasy-football-2025-rankings-nfl-sleepers-breakouts-busts)
– Various posts on X highlighting Mayer’s potential in Chip Kelly’s offense
