The Las Vegas Raiders made what was at least a somewhat surprising pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft when they selected Georgia tight end Brock Bowers at No. 13 overall.
The pick was surprising in the sense that the Raiders did not have a major need at tight end. They looked set there thanks to Michael Mayer, who was drafted in the second round in 2023, albeit by a different general manager.
But it wasn't completely shocking, given the fact that general manager Tom Telesco made it clear he wasn't going to be drafting on need alone. He clearly felt the Georgia product was the best player available, so he jumped.
The reaction on social media among Raiders fans and media was surprise, but the overwhelming thought is the Raiders still got themselves a difference-maker on the offensive side of the ball.
Here's how experts graded the pick.
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: C-
There’s nothing wrong with Bowers being taken in the top 15, given he has that kind of athletic talent as a mismatch-creating tight end. But they did already have Michael Mayer and added underrated former Brown Harrison Bryant in the offseason. The Raiders went for a luxury pick despite having needs on the offensive line and secondary. Tom Telesco went for the best player available, but the QB void and defensive issues make Bowers less of a valuable pick to this particular team.
Dharya Sharma, Sporting News: A-
Though offensive tackle and cornerback were more pressing needs, Telesco and head coach Antonio Pierce couldn't pass on a generational talent.
Bowers has all the intangibles and physical tools to be an All-Pro tight end at the next level and Las Vegas is supplying whoever their starting signal-caller is with as many dynamic and explosive playmakers as possible — and I love it.
Analysis: With six quarterbacks off the board before the Raiders picked, they couldn't pass up Bowers, even after grabbing Michael Mayer in the second round last year. The former Bulldog’s potential value falls between George Kittle and Travis Kelce on the tight end scale. Agile and powerful after the catch, Bowers can line up at multiple spots for his new team while providing enough blocking to give running backs a chance to reach the sideline or find a seam. An ankle injury limited him in 2023, but he'll be an instant-impact performer for whoever plays quarterback for the Raiders in 2024.
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY: B
Who would have thought the Raiders would be shut out of options at quarterback at No. 13? This certainly is an unexpected landing spot for Bowers, who seemed bound for a top-10 slot. The two-time Mackey Award winner can certainly take pressure off Gardner Minshew II or Aidan O'Connell as a major threat after the catch. But even with how much he can bring to an offense, it's worth noting that NFL teams' track records of evaluating first-round tight ends is extremely spotty. Holes at cornerback and right tackle will need to be addressed later on.
He's a heck of a player, but didn't they draft Michael Mayer last year and signed Harrison Bryant this year? They have other needs. Don't really like this pick that much. It's not like he's a good blocker for their run game. Strange pick with other needs.
The reigning Mackey Award winner and a rare three-time All-American, Bowers is more decorated than a wedding cake, making him perhaps the perfect addition to a town as glitzy as Las Vegas. Bowers is no roll of the dice, however. He's cat-quick with supremely reliable hands and the contact balance of a running back. The AFC West already boasts a superstar tight end in Kansas City's Travis Kelce, but the Raiders just added the next one in Bowers.
