Is Austin Hooper Or Michael Mayer The Raiders TE1? Fantasy Football Outlook

The Las Vegas Raiders made several changes this offseason. One of their top moves was trading star tight end Darren Waller to the New York Giants for a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Las Vegas then signed Austin Hooper and O.J. Howard in free agency. Hooper spent last year with the Tennessee Titans, while Howard played for the Houston Texans.

However, the Raiders made their top move at tight end during the NFL Draft. The team traded up in the second round to select former Notre Dame star, Michael Mayer. After adding three tight ends this offseason, which one will be the TE1?

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What Did The Raiders Tight Ends Accomplish Last Year?

Hooper has bounced around the NFL during his seven-year career. After spending the first four years with the Atlanta Falcons, the veteran spent two years with the Cleveland Browns before joining the Titans last season.

The former Stanford star had 41 receptions on 60 targets for 444 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 2022. Furthermore, Hooper finished second on the team in receptions and targets while finishing third in receiving yards.

Meanwhile, the rookie tight end had an outstanding career at Notre Dame. Mayer had back-to-back seasons with over 800 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Furthermore, he had a career-high nine receiving touchdowns in 2022. More importantly, Mayer was the focal point of Notre Dame’s offense, leading the team in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.

Who Will Be The Top Tight End For The Raiders In 2023?

Typically rookie tight ends don’t make an impact right away. Therefore, it’s no surprise Mayer will start the year behind Hooper on the depth chart.

However, should fantasy players use a late-round pick on the veteran tight end? The answer is no.

Hooper hasn’t been fantasy relevant for the past few years. The last time he had more than 450 receiving yards in a season was 2019 with the Falcons. Furthermore, the veteran has totaled under five receiving touchdowns in all but one year in his career.

Meanwhile, Mayer is a solid dynasty rookie pick. However, the former Notre Dame star isn’t worth drafting in redraft leagues. He will start the year playing behind Hooper and might even lose some snaps to Howard. Given how rarely tight ends make an impact as a rookie, Mayer likely won’t have any fantasy value in 2023.

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