In late April, the Las Vegas Raiders took a step into the future by selecting former Georgia football tight end Brock Bowers with the 13th overall pick in the NFL Draft, which took place in Detroit. The Raiders have long lacked depth at that position, and although their quarterback situation still remains somewhat of a mystery, whoever it is that will be throwing the football for Las Vegas will have one of the elite tight end prospects in recent NFL history in Bowers as his target.
Of course, Bowers is not the only tight end on the Raiders roster, as the team also boasts second year man Michael Mayer, who is very talented in his own right.
Recently, Bowers spoke on the presence of Mayer and how he believes the two can actually coexist with one another out on the field for the Raiders.
“I think if you have two great tight ends, it’s really hard to match up personnel wise in order to defend against pass and the run, so I think it makes it difficult for defenses,” said Bowers, per Raiders.com.
Bowers also spoke on the adjustment period he has experienced now that he has officially begun rookie minicamp with the Raiders.
“It’s definitely been a lot better for me, just getting back to football, that’s what I like to do. So it’s fun being out here with all of the guys,” said Bowers.
Bowers also went on to describe the culture he has already experienced within the Raiders’ organization.
“They seem like they’ve got a great culture,” said Bowers. “A bunch of great rookies coming in, so I’m excited to get to work for the next few days and the rest of the summer.”
A generational prospect
During his time with Georgia football, Brock Bowers established himself as not only far and away the best tight end in the country, but arguably the best player overall, generating fringe Heisman trophy consideration for himself in the process.
One person who knows all about Bowers’ dominance is none other than Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, who recently spoke on what the Raiders will be getting in Bowers.
“Generational, I mean, I don’t know how to say it any other way,” said Smart, per Christian Goeckel of Dawgs Daily (via Josh Pate of CBS). “I don’t know if I’ve coached another guy quite like that. I mean, he’s just different. He’s just big, physical, fast, smart. No moment is too big for him. He’s gonna make somebody a really good player.”
Raiders general manager Tom Telesco also sees Bowers and Mayer as complementary pieces.
“I love Michael Mayer. He’s a really good player and I think he’s going to make another big jump this season,” said Telesco, per Goeckel. “But when you have the chance to add another dimension to the offense who’s a tight end or hybrid receiver, we need more playmakers on that side of the ball so I think (Bowers) is going to help us there.”
The Raiders’ season begins in September.
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