Earlier this year, many hailed Las Vegas Raiders rookie tight end Brock Bowers as a draft day steal. Most recently, the former Georgia Bulldog landed on Chad Reuter’s 2024 All-Rookie Team projection.
Entering this year’s draft, Raider Nation found itself clamoring for a quarterback prospect. However, things simply didn’t work out that way. “Franchise-type” signal-callers don’t come around often, and many fans felt that April’s crop presented a special opportunity for the Raiders. However, other teams were also in need of a quarterback, which resulted in Bowers dropping in the draft—it seemed almost fated for him to join the Silver and Black.
Coming into a situation where he’ll play alongside the likes of Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, and fellow tight end running mate Michael Mayer, Bowers could be in store for a special rookie campaign. On that note, Reuter agreed and presented his justification for adding Bowers to his annual selection list.
“Bowers will be a matchup problem for most linebackers and safeties with his quickness, strength and strong hands, giving Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers a foil to stretch defenses vertically and horizontally.”
Reuter is of the mind that the Raiders and new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy need to rely on running two tight end sets. Despite some people thinking it’s an antiquated philosophy, it works just fine if you have the right pieces. By all accounts, the Raiders have two studs at the tight end position; why not use that to your advantage?
Does Raiders TE Brock Bowers have a weakness?
“While it’s not the strongest part of his game, Bowers should also earn respect for his run blocking on the outside.”
Reuter made a final note about Bowers’ run-blocking abilities. In that particular department, Pro Football Focus graded the Georgia tight end at 62.4. Even if you don’t put stock in what PFF thinks, it’s certainly notable. Still, Bowers will surely have the opportunity to prove them wrong (and Reuter right) this season. This is particularly true in a year where the run-blocking department will require maximum effort, especially with Josh Jacobs now in Green Bay.
As the only tight end drafted in the first round this year, these are going to be lofty expectations.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
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