A year after selecting former Notre Dame Fighting Irish star tight end Michael Mayer with the 35th pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders tried their hand at another top-end rookie tight end, picking Georgia Bulldogs superstar tight end Brock Bowers with the 13th pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. Bowers, the only player in college football history to win two John Mackey Awards, two titles, and earn three All-American selections, will play alongside Mayer next season, with Las Vegas eyeing their first playoff win since 2002.
The early results of the Bowers selection have been promising, with the Georgia product receiving high praise from the media, his coaches, and teammates during training camp. On Monday, defensive back Nate Hobbs showered Bowers with praise, calling him an offensive mismatch and a budding difference-maker despite his rookie status.
Las Vegas Raiders TE Brock Bowers: Shining at Training Camp
The initial results have been promising for Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers at training camp. Last week, Bowers dominated during 1-on-1 sessions, catching multiple touchdowns during their red zone period. Meanwhile, Bowers also showed a flair for the dramatic, making multiple tough catches, including pinning a football to his head, similar to David Tyree’s in 2008. Bowers has also received praise from players on the other side of the ball this week, most notably defensive back Nate Hobbs.
#Raiders CB Nate Hobbs says Brock Bowers' speed can make the former Georgia star TE a matchup nightmare.
"I had no clue. Usually when I get on a tight end I could let off or jog a little bit. With him, you got to be locked in because he's different." pic.twitter.com/VVq8XUlhv0
— Nick Walters (@nickwalt) July 29, 2024
When asked about Bowers’ unique speed ability to create mismatches against defensive backs, Hobbs said, “I had no clue. Usually, when I get on a tight end, I could let off or jog a little bit. With him, you got to be locked in because he’s different.” A fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Hobbs has carved out a solid NFL role with the Raiders. In 13 games last season, Hobbs accumulated 86 tackles, seven pass deflections, six TFLs, a sack, and an interception.
Bowers: Elite College Production
Despite a solid showing from rookie tight end Michael Mayer in 2023, the Las Vegas Raiders could not pass on the opportunity of selecting former Georgia Bulldogs star tight end Brock Bowers with the 13th pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. As a true freshman in 2021, Bowers posted 56 receptions, 882 yards, and 12 touchdowns. He also rushed for 56 yards and a touchdown while earning SEC Freshman of the Year and second-team All-American honors. Bowers earned his first John Mackey Award in 2022 after a 63-catch, 942-yard campaign. Bowers also achieved first-team All-American recognition.
Last season, Bowers played a career-low ten games, but the uber-athletic tight end still posted 56 catches, 714 yards, and six touchdowns. He again achieved first-team All-American praises. Bowers finished his college career with 26 receiving touchdowns and five scores via the ground.
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