Las Vegas Raiders HC Antonio Pierce Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders HC Antonio Pierce throws water on wild draft rumor

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 5/10/24

Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce addressed one wild claim that came out of the NFL Draft recently.

Cornerback Terrion Arnold claimed that the Raiders told him their No. 13 overall pick came down to a coin flip between himself and tight end Brock Bowers, with Bowers ultimately getting the nod. Naturally, Pierce felt the need to respond, denying that it had come down to a coin toss and saying Bowers had been the pick as soon as the last two quarterbacks had come off the board. In fact, Pierce denied even speaking to Arnold on draft night.

Spoke to @Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce, & denied speaking to Terrion Arnold. “No call, and no coin flip.”

“As soon as the last two QBS Went off the board. We SAID BOWERS all the way.” -AP

He also said the Bowers’ pick was ready before the Raiders were on the clock.

— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) May 9, 2024

“No call, and no coin flip,” Pierce said. “As soon as the last two QBs went off the board, we said Bowers all the way.”

Pierce may not have been the one to make the “coin flip” comment, even if it did take place. Either way, Pierce is not going to let it fester that the Raiders made such a big decision based on chance, which would reflect very poorly on the organization. That is especially true when some players are already lukewarm on the organization.

Arnold ultimately went to the Detroit Lions at No. 24 overall while the Raiders got a potential franchise tight end in Bowers. Both are probably pleased with how things worked out.

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

More must-reads: