Raiders-Lions is Battle of Rookie Tight Ends

When the Las Vegas Raiders and Detroit Lions face off at Ford Field Detroit on Monday Night Football, there will be a battle between two top rookie tight ends in the NFL.

Raiders tight end Michael Mayer and Lions tight end Sam LaPorta have each had impressive starts to their NFL careers and will face each other for the first time.

While the game will be more than simply the individual statistics Mayer and LaPorta put up, it will be exciting to see the progress they are making as their NFL careers progress, and they will both look to make an impact in the game to help their team win.

Mayer and LaPorta were selected with back-to-back picks in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The Lions selected LaPorta with the No. 34 pick, while the Raiders traded up to select Mayer with the No. 35 pick. Both players were considered elite tight-end prospects in their class.

Mayer and LaPorta set records at their respective schools. Mayer is the all-time leader in receptions for a tight end in Notre Dame history, and LaPorta is the all-time leader in receptions for a tight end at Iowa.

LaPorta leads rookie tight ends in receiving this season with 35 receptions for 377 yards and three touchdowns, while Mayer is starting to find his footing in the Raiders’ offense with 15 receptions for 129 yards.

Both tight ends have similar skills. LaPorta is an excellent route runner with sharp movement for his size. He has strong hands, can win at the point of attack, and creates yards after the catch. Mayer is also a great route runner who can operate in the short and intermediate field and occasionally be a deep threat.

The Lions’ offense has found success involving LaPorta early this season, while the Raiders have struggled offensively and might be looking for an answer that could come in the form of Mayer.

As the tight end position is vital to both teams’ offenses, and they selected talented tight end prospects, the Raiders and Lions’ game on Monday night should feature an excellent showcase for both.

The Silver and Black will stay on the road to take on the Detroit Lions on Monday night, October 30, at 8:15 p.m. EDT/5:15 p.m. PDT.

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