Which Raider Rookie Catches More Passes in 2023?

Between Michael Mayer and Tre Tucker, which Las Vegas Raiders rookie will separate himself?

The Las Vegas Raiders selected two pass catchers in the 2023 NFL Draft, hoping to add young, dynamic talent to their wide receiver and tight end rooms.

They traded up to select Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer in the second round and Cincinnati wide receiver Tre Tucker in the third. 

Mayer was a record-setting player with the Fighting Irish, and Tucker is a blazing-fast receiver with great hands and body control.

New quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has several reliable weapons to throw to, including these two impressive-looking rookies.

However, one will likely have more receptions and yards than the other. Who will Garoppolo be more inclined to throw to, Mayer or Tucker?

Several factors go into this question, the first being who earns more snaps and who earns them earlier. This plays in Mayer’s favor, as there are not as many tight ends challenging for snaps as wide receivers.

Tucker has a few players in front of him on the depth chart at wide receiver, so he will have to be impressive to get on the field on offense, at least early.

Garoppolo also has favored throwing to his tight ends quite often, as he has historically been more inclined to throw shorter and over the middle of the field. This is also an area where Mayer thrives, as his short-field athleticism is part of what made him such an elite tight-end prospect.

Tucker’s strength is beating his man deep downfield, which Garoppolo doesn’t always opt for. When he does occasionally take the shot downfield, Tucker should be there.

Coach Josh McDaniels’ system is much more conservative and traditional, which could benefit both pass catchers. While Tucker is at his best as a burner, he can also thrive running slants and crossing patterns that produce yards after the catch.

When it comes to who will produce more this season, it appears Mayer has the path of least resistance, but both have a great chance of being viable pass-catching options for the Raiders for years to come.

The Las Vegas Raiders open training camp for the entire team on July 25, 2023.

The Silver and Black open the preseason by hosting the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Aug. 13, at 4 p.m. EDT/1 p.m. PDT.

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