Changing Darren Waller starts in earnest in just a couple of short days for the Las Vegas Raiders. That's when the group starts training camp with novices reporting initially on July 20 and experts joining the fray July 25. It's an entirely reprise limited end area after the Silver Black dealt Waller to the New York City Giants this offseason. The present team is a mix of expert ability with a very appealing and highly-touted rookie prospect. Said neophyte arrives with such high expectations that it bids this inquiry: Does Michael Mayer begin at tight end?Let's explore.The ContendersMichael MayerLas Vegas was delighted to locate the Notre Dame item still offered in the 2nd round and traded approximately No. 35 overall to ensure they landed him. Raiders basic manager had a first-round quality on Mayer and, heading right into the 2023 NFL Draft, was considered having blocking method that transcended than a lot of limited ends in the draft class. The 6-foot-4, 265-pound Mayer is well built and has the hostile mindset to be a run obstructing force while additionally giving the passing attack a reliable and tough choice up the seam and over the middle.RelatedMichael Mayer by the numbersMayer did verify to be an extremely quick research at Notre Dame and was a starter as a true freshman in 2020. He hauled in 180 passes for 2, 099 lawns and 18 touchdowns during his three-year stint in South Bend showcasing his course running, leaping and capturing ability, and toughness by taking hits and getting backyards after the catch.Mayer is a classic combination tight end that head coach Josh McDaniels chooses and with improvement of his blocking video game, can give the Raiders' principal play caller a total tight end to deal with. Austin Hooper, seen right here trying to damage a take on from then-Raiders security Johnathan Abram, is now in Las Las vega and can contend for the beginning limited end work. Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY SportsAustin HooperThe eight-year expert was the 2nd freelance limited end authorized in March and brings a wealth of experience having played in 105 overall job regular-season games and 59 starts. He also has 7 playoff begins under his belt, also. At 6-foot-4 and 254 extra pounds, Hooper began his NFL profession as a third-round choose of Stanford by the Atlanta Falcons as a combination tight end who can block and catch. However the 28-year-old's ability as an in-line blocker wound down in 2022 with the Tennessee Titans. McDaniels wants his tight ends to do both and unless Hooper shows he has far better blocking chops than Mayer, he could be relegated to TE2 duties. That stated, Hooper is still a productive and trusted option as a getting tight end. He took 41 catches for 444 backyards and two goals with the Titans with 28 of those receptions being very first downs. Over his job, he's caught 339 passes for 3, 468 backyards, and 25 touchdowns.The DepthO.J. HowardIf the Raiders had not composed Mayer, this six-year professional would've been the likely TE2 behind Hooper. The 6-foot-6, 251-pound 28-year-old isn't as spry as he as soon as was when he arrived to the NFL as a first-round pick in 2017, yet he's still an efficient blocker. While he will not be confused for a mauler-type as an in-line alternative, Howard involves blockers and stays on them in both pass and run sequences and he can pack a wallop when on the step or damaging at protectors. Purchasing time can usually be an extensive quality specifically as quarterbacks are scanning the field for options. Howard hasn't install substantial receiving numbers considering that the 2019 season with Tampa as he's taken a total of 35 passes for 426 yards and five goals in the last three seasons.Howard's worth will be as one more in-line choice in multiple limited end sets who can block and sneak out on paths for catches. Raiders limited end Jesper Horsted, left, agrees to do what ever before the group asks of him. But with newbie Michael Mayer and experts Austin Hooper and O.J. Howard in the mix, he encounters an uphill climb at the placement team. Image by Ethan MillerGetty ImagesJesper HorstedThe fleet-footed converted wide receiver is extra mainstay on special teams than on offense. The 6-foot-4, 241-pound 26-year-old's engagement rate on violation is marginal at ideal throughout his three-year occupation as he's completed simply 13 catches for 127 backyards and three goals. Horsted is a ready individual, however, and will do what ever before the team asks of him to the most effective of his ability. But he does not have the wise and toughness to be an in-line blocker kind Titans Store, in spite of having the run and catch capacity as a collegiate wideout.He'll have an uphill reach go up the depth graph at limited end with unique teams his most likely ticket.The LongshotsCole FotheringhamThe undrafted freelance is in the mold and mildew of a one-dimensional obstructing limited end. The 6-foot-4, 241-pound 25-year-old looks to involve swiftly and kept his blocks throughout his time at Utah. However he has an angular framework and lower body which does not portend to the needed lower-body strength to really deal with NFL protectors. Fotheringham is the kind that's excellent for camp competitors but is more of a practice squad alternative than back-end roster typeunless he turns into a standout blocker.John Samuel ShenkerA getting limited end with great rate, the undrafted item set the Auburn record for profession catches with 68. Shenker is additionally 2nd in school history with 779 overall obtaining lawns. However, the 6-foot-3, 242-pounder must display he can obstruct at the next degree which will likely take greater than one offseason to generate outcomes. He provides really little as an in-line blocker. Although, like Fotheringham, Shenker can make sounds and contend for an unique groups area with Horsted.