Raiders Michael Mayer Ready for First NFL Game

The Las Vegas Raiders drafted rookie Michael Mayer in the second round of the NFL Draft. Mayer, arguably the best tight end available in the draft, has the chance to help transform the Raiders offense.

After finishing his Notre Dame as the all-time leader in tight end receptions, Mayer is adjusting to the difference between the college and professional levels.

"I'm trying to adjust as fast as I can; it's a little bit of a different game," Mayer said. "Everything is a little bit faster, people are a little bit faster, stronger, things like that.

"The more I play, the more I practice, and the more I'm out on that field, the easier the adjustments going to be."

As Las Vegas turns its attention to Week 1 and the Denver Broncos, Mayer says his mindset has shifted from making it through his first preseason to his first game in the AFC West.

"I think my mindset has been the same the whole time," Mayer said. "Obviously it's a little bit different of a mindset, now that we've got to prepare and understand the defense and things like that."

Mayer has enjoyed being able to spend more of his time around the game of football, which comes with playing in the NFL.

"I enjoy it. Its football; football is my life now," Mayer said. "This is my job, I enjoy it. I'm in this building pretty much all day long. This is what it's about. This is why I left [college] my junior year. This is what I want to do, this is where I wanna be."

For Mayer, Sunday is a day he has been waiting for his whole life. Week 1 gives Mayer a chance to start what is expected to be a successful career.

"This is what I've dreamed of," Mayer said. "This is what it's all about. It's game one of hopefully a very, very long career. That's what it's about for me: go out there, be the best version of myself, and try to help this team get it done."

Few teams in the NFL are better set up for their tight end's success than the Raiders. Mayer's development and ability to quickly adjust to all the league entails will be essential for the Raiders' offensive success.

The Silver and Black open the regular season at the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Sept. 10, at 4:25 p.m. EDT/1:25 p.m. PDT.

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