Las Vegas Raiders rookie wideout Jack Bech is getting much hype and praise—and that’s without having played a single down of football.
Last season, the Raiders’ aerial attack ran almost exclusively through two reliable outlets: tight end Brock Bowers, who turned in a record-shattering rookie campaign, and veteran wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, who once again proved to be a model of consistency. Beyond that duo, the cupboard was thin. No other Raider recorded more than 50 receptions, and only one—speedster Tre Tucker—surpassed the 500-yard mark.
Clearly, change was needed.
The lack of substance and production necessitated a targeted revision. Las Vegas made it clear in the 2025 NFL draft that the wide receiver room was a high priority. As a result, the team selected three pass catchers. You had Bech in the second round and Dont’e Thornton Jr. in the fourth round. The team then selected Tommy Mellott in the sixth round. Mellott, a former dual-threat quarterback at Montana State, is transitioning to wideout—that’s a progression that’ll take time but could pay big dividends in the future. Conversely, Bech and Thornton are anticipated to compete for immediate playing time, even starter-level snaps.
Raider Nation, what are your expectations for rookie Tommy Mellott this season? pic.twitter.com/450nhcQQlg
— RaiderRamble.com™ (@TheRaiderRamble) July 18, 2025
The journey for Raiders rookie Jack Bech to reach the NFL is now complete—what comes next?
Bech’s entry into the NFL came with some contractual turbulence, as the Houston Texans’ decision to fully guarantee second-rounder Jayden Higgins’ deal briefly stalled negotiations league-wide. However, the Raiders prevailed, and just in time for the start of training camp, Bech officially signed his rookie contract. Despite some concerns from Raiders fans this offseason, there won’t be a holdout.
Since draft day, the buzz around Bech has only grown louder. Marc Ross, of NFL Media, had quite the bold belief he recently shared. Despite the talent on the roster, Ross believes he’s the best receiver in this group. Then we have Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport, who went a step further—he likened Bech to future Pro Football Hall of Famer Cooper Kupp. He particularly highlighted the TCU product’s football acumen and route running.
Cowboys legend Dez Bryant sheds praise…
He will be playing in the NFL for a long time. https://t.co/iwk3Sx2hFr
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) July 18, 2025
However, the most noteworthy support for Bech came from former Cowboys star Dez Bryant. A three-time Pro Bowler and one of the league’s most dynamic receivers in his prime, Bryant publicly praised Bech’s potential after the rookie signed his deal. Living in Dallas and having TCU nearby in Fort Worth, Bryant likely witnessed Bech’s impressive 2024 season firsthand, and it seems that his admiration is mutual.
Whether it is forged through game-day visits or mutual respect, Bryant’s backing adds a layer of intrigue and optimism. Raider Nation, eagerly anticipating the emergence of a new offensive weapon, hopes that the former Cowboy’s prediction is accurate: Jack Bech could be the next big thing in Silver and Black. If nothing else, it gives everyone a root for this stellar young man.
More: Raiders Notes—Christian Wilkins update, Jack Bech signs, and more.
*Top Photo: Associated Press/Las Vegas Sun