A bold prediction for the 2024 Las Vegas Raiders is that the tight end position will see significant prioritization under new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy.
One of the biggest criticisms of former Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels was his inability to get Michael Mayer involved in the offense. The tight end just didn’t fit, whether by design or due to a lack of faith by McDaniels in his rookie. You’d be remiss not to mention the quarterback play. Still, why spend a top-second-round pick on Notre Dame just to misuse him? Well, it would appear that will change under Getsy this upcoming season.
In addition to that, the Raiders may have drafted a generational talent in Brock Bowers this year. He can do it all—catch, run, block—and the explosiveness and raw athleticism simply leave you in awe if you check the tape. There’s simply too much talent in the tight end position, and considering his past tendencies, Getsy might have the key to finally getting the Raiders offense going.
New Raiders OC Luke Getsy makes the most of his tight ends…
Not since Darren Waller’s 2020 Pro Bowl campaign have the Raiders had notable play from a tight end. Following a steep decline after Jon Gruden’s exit from the organization, Waller was never the same player, though untimely injuries also hurt his case before the Dave Ziegler-led regime felt they had seen enough.
Getsy, for his part, had to deal with inconsistent quarterback play in Chicago. Yeah, we’re putting it nicely. Justin Fields, Tyson Bagent, Trevor Siemian, and even Raiders legend Nathan Peterman all started a game at one point or another. What’s more remarkable is that Getsy and whoever was slinging it for the Bears relied on the tight ends to score. A true security blanket on otherwise unremarkable offenses is something that the Raiders will need.
Just to put it into perspective, the Bears, with Getsy at the helm, accumulated 14 touchdowns (seven each of the last two seasons) from their tight ends, namely Cole Kmet. It’s a different story for the Raiders—the tight end position has been a severe afterthought the last two years. In fact, Las Vegas recorded half of those touchdowns—two last year and five in 2022.
While many people do not correlate college stats with the professional game, Bowers’ production is undeniable. Scoring wise, the former Georgia Bulldog amassed 26 touchdowns in 35 collegiate games. His breakaway speed is something to marvel at; even if linebackers and defensive backs are arguably faster in the NFL, Bowers will be a menace.
Tom Telesco really saw this from Brock Bowers and said who needs a QB anyway pic.twitter.com/RWRM5HmHHC
— Mario Tovar (@TheTovarMario_) July 3, 2024
Can Luke Getsy untap Michael Mayer’s potential?
If we’re honest, we can surely call Mayer’s rookie year under McDaniels a wash. He missed out on Week’s 15-17 under Antonio Pierce, who had by then taken over for McDaniels. Regardless, it’s important to acknowledge Mayer’s contributions during his time at Notre Dame. His scoring potential is there; at six-foot-four and 265 pounds, Getsy could turn into a scoring threat—he hauled in nine touchdowns in his final year with the Fighting Irish (2022).
Don’t forget, Mayer had glimpses of being able to stretch the field; who can forget his nearly 20-yard catch against the Detroit Lions in Week 8? The potential is there.
Say what you will about Getsy, but he’s someone who’ll get both Mayer and Bowers going this year, in theory at least.
Georgia TE’s Coach On Brock Bowers: “He Checks All The Boxes”
*Top Photo: Associated Press