The Las Vegas Raiders were expected to aggressively pursue a top quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft but ended up not picking any. A surprising move was selecting Georgia tight end Brock Bowers as the No. 13 pick.
Last year, the Raiders drafted tight end Michael Mayer early in the second round even though there were more pressing needs in the team. However, Bowers was the best player available so the team went with him.
While many praised the pick, some NFL insiders disapproved, according to The Athletic’s Mike Sando. The Raiders were commended by many, but not everyone in the NFL was impressed, according to The Athletic’s Mike Sando. The decision received high ratings from various sources, but some within the NFL were not impressed, according to The Athletic’s Mike Sando.
An NFL executive told Sando that they seemed to be stuck and panicked after the Atlanta team chose (Michael) Penix and then picked Bowers as a backup plan in a May 3 column. “He is a talented player, but more of a luxury rather than a necessity. I don’t like such picks unless everything else is in place.”
It would have been wiser for the Raiders to choose a cornerback or offensive lineman at No. 13 since all the top quarterbacks were already taken. However, if Bowers becomes a star tight end, it's understandable why the Raiders would want to bring him in as a foundational player.
The Raiders may need to get creative with Brock Bowers
Despite having a new offensive coaching staff, it's probable that the team still expects Mayer to make an impact. The team is likely planning to use a lot of 12-personnel, which requires two tight ends on the field.
But one executive believes that the Raiders will need to be innovative in utilizing Bowers to fully capitalize on his potential.
“Bowers can't create separation in the normal flow of the offense like Dalton Kincaid can. He needs to be moved. He would be better suited for San Francisco or Miami. While Kincaid excels at the top of the route, Bowers is more about making a single move, catching the ball, breaking three tackles, and then taking off. I hope they have a good plan for him because he can do some really unique things with the ball,” the executive informed Sando.
It's now up to the offensive coordinator Luke Getsy to figure out the best way to utilize Bowers.
Davante Adams Praises Luke Getsy
There was The hiring of Getsy raised concerns among some fans. He was recently let go from the same position with the Chicago Bears. However, star wide receiver Davante Adams.
has extensive experience with Getsy, having spent seven years together with the Green Bay Packers and believes that he is a good fit for the team.
“We now have a solid offensive system that I'm very familiar with. It's essentially the same terminology, playbook, because [Luke] Getsy was my wide receiver coach and he took what we did in Green Bay to the Bears, and they didn't have the best team to make it work, but it's an excellent system,” explained Adams on the April 30 episode “The Rush with Maxx Crosby.”
