Brock Bowers has joined the Las Vegas Raiders as the 13th overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft.
The tight end from the University of Georgia was amongst the top-rated prospects at this year’s draft class.
General manager Tom Telesco’s decision to ignore the needs at defensive tackle and cornerback and select a tight end was a shock.
Telesco spoke about his decision to select Bowers in his Day 1 press conference.
He said: “We’re looking to add more playmakers to the offence and they come in all shapes and sizes and all different positions.
“We got a chance to add another dimension to the offence, whether it’s a tight end, a hybrid receiver, whatever it is, we need more playmakers on that side of the ball.
“So I think he’s going to really help us there.
“He’s a high-level player in college, a true junior, he’s 21 years old, so he’s very young, he’s still developing.
“He’s got some natural football skills combined with some high-level athletic ability and speed.
“Yeah (we’re) really happy to have him.”
Considered the best in his position at the collegiate level, the first two-time Mackey Award winner Bowers is an excellent coup for the Raiders.
The 6ft 3ins tight end won back-to-back College Football national championships in 2021 and 2022.
Averaging an 8.5-yard after-catch average over his three seasons, his ability to find the space ranked him second in receiving yards with 714 yards amongst tight ends in 2023.
He racked up 2,538 receiving yards with 175 catches and 26 touchdowns in three seasons at Georgia.
Bowers is the first tight end to be selected by the Raiders since Rickey Dudley in 1996.
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