Cowboys Legend Sends Strong Message on Raiders' Jack Bech

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Levi Dombro | Last updated Jul 19, 2025 5:46 PM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders invested a lot in the wide receiver position during the 2025 NFL Draft. Last season, the team had one of the worst passing attacks in the league, so they needed offensive firepower to surround new quarterback Geno Smith.

TCU wideout Jack Bech was taken in the second round, followed by Tennessee's Dont'e Thornton Jr. and Montana State's Tommy Mellot in the fourth and sixth rounds. These three will supplement 1,000-yard receiver Jakobi Meyers and All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers.

Las Vegas also has veteran players like Tre Tucker, Collin Johnson and Kyle Philips in the mix to earn playing time, and head coach Pete Carroll will let these wide receivers compete for snaps.

Bech was one of the 30 second-rounders from this year's draft class who had not signed their contracts until earlier this week. He finally signed on Thursday when the Raiders' rookies reported to training camp.

After NFL Insider Jordan Schultz reported that Bech and the Raiders had agreed to the terms of his rookie contract, legendary former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant sent a strong message regarding Las Vegas' rookie wideout.

"He will be playing in the NFL for a long time," Bryant said.

He will be playing in the NFL for a long time. https://t.co/iwk3Sx2hFr
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) July 18, 2025

Bryant played 119 games across nine NFL seasons, eight of which he spent with the Cowboys. During his time in Dallas, he made three Pro Bowls and was a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2014 after catching 88 passes for 1,320 yards and a league-best 16 touchdowns.

Bech comes to Las Vegas on the heels of a 62-catch, 1,034-yard, nine-touchdown performance during his senior season with the Horned Frogs. This vote of confidence from a former star wideout should only help Bech as he approaches his first NFL training camp.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: