‘I like to put people in the dirt.’ Raiders select 2019 Kentucky Mr. Football winner.

A noticeable void at tight end made the Las Vegas Raiders an attractive destination for Michael Mayer.

The feeling was mutual because the Raiders traded up three spots Friday to select the Notre Dame tight end 35th overall in the NFL Draft.

Las Vegas sent the Indianapolis Colts the 38th and 141st picks of this year’s draft.

“I like to put people in the dirt, and I like to run over people,” said Mayer, who was the 2019 Kentucky Mr. Football winner after a stellar career at Covington Catholic High School that culminated with a Class 5A state championship.

In getting Mayer, the Raiders addressed a major need at that position created when they traded Darren Waller last month to the New York Giants. Waller had more than 1,000 yards receiving in the 2019 and 2020 seasons before injuries limited his production the past two years.

“It’s about coming in and keeping the tight end tradition that they have and winning as many football games as we can,” Mayer said. “That’s what this is about. It’s why they drafted me, and I’m really excited to be a part of this organization.”

The 6-foot-4, 249-pound Mayer should give new Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo a major target, particularly in the red zone.

Mayer was an AP first-team All-American and Mackey Award finalist last season after catching 67 passes for 809 yards and nine touchdowns. The TD total set a record for Fighting Irish tight ends. He also holds the school records for receptions (71) and receiving yards (840) set in 2021.

“The receiving part has always kind of been there for me, but I really had to dig deep for that blocking,” Mayer said. “It’s been really, really (good) this past season. Me and my tight ends coach worked on it a lot, and it’s going to get better.”

General Manager Dave Ziegler said the Raiders considered trading back into the first round on Thursday, at least partly to get Mayer, but decided to be patient.

“The fact that we were still there was a very exciting moment for us,” Ziegler said. “He was one of the top 15 players on our board.”