Early thoughts on Raiders taking Brock Bowers at No. 13

What a surprise

We are used to the Las Vegas Raiders making surprise first-round picks.

But this one is different.

The Raiders have been famous for reaches and most have not panned out. This isn’t Clelin Ferrell, Alex Leatherwood or Damon Arnette.

This time, the Raiders made a surprise pick and it was because they took a player who was expected to be taken higher than he was. So, don’t be mad that the Raiders used the No. 13 overall pick on Georgia tight end Brock Bowers.

Yes, it may be a luxury pick for a team with other needs, but the kid can play.

Here are some thoughts on the Bowers’ pick:

Telesco gets value:

New Las Vegas general manager Tom Telesco just set the tone for his tenure with the Raiders. He took advantage of six quarterbacks being taken in the top 12 picks and took a best-available player type. Bowers was considered a top-10 pick, even a top-5 pick before he was injured last season. He provides great value. There were rumors some teams were trying to go into the top 10 for him. Daniel Jeremiah said on NFL Network’s draft coverage that Telesco texted him that the Raiders needed juice” and Bowers, who told reporters Thursday night that he was “shocked” to e taken by Las Vegas, provides it. Telesco said earlier this offseason that the Raiders needed offense and now they got a nice player. Many scouts think Bowers is the best tight end prospect in years. he has a chance to be special and if he is, no one will mind being shocked about the pick on draft night.

Help the QB:

After the rush at quarterback Thursday night, it’s clear either Aidan O’Connell or Gardner Minshew will be the starter. So, giving them another receiving weapon can’t hurt. Build around the quarterback. Perhaps a player like AOC can flourish with what is around him.

Lots of weapons:

Bowers joins Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker and fellow tight end Michael Mayer. That’s a damn good slew of receivers. It’s the best in the AFC West, in fact. New offensive coordinator Luke Getsy will have a chance to do some things. Cole Kmet was a strong weapon for Getsy in Chicago, now he has more toys. Bowers is a matchup problem and his new teammates can exploit it. Oh, and Bowers can block very well as well, so this offensive line got better.

Can work with Mayer:

Part of the surprise of this pick is the fact that the Raiders (the former regime) traded up to take Mayer out of Notre Dame at No. 35 just last year. But these two players can co-exist. Yes, they have a lot invested in the tight end position and maybe Mayer’s production will wane some, but this unit has a lot of ability. It will likely mean Harrison Bryant, one of five unrestricted free agents signed this offseason so far, will not be much of an option in the passing game. But that’s OK.

Yes, it’s a luxury pick:

Yes, the Raiders have a lot of needs and they aren’t a solid playoff threat. Bowers is a luxury player. But if he makes them better, who cares?

Other needs:

Many thought the Raiders would select a right tackle or a cornerback. And they have the needs. But they clearly valued Bowers higher and they took him.

Napa kid:

Bowers is from Napa, where the Raiders trained when they were in Oakland. He relishes getting Derek Carr’s autograph at a camp practice one year. Cool story and a nice connection to the team’s Bay Area roots.

Expensive down the road:

Being a tight end at No. 13 is going make Bowers pretty expensive to give the fifth-year option to. But that’s tomorrow’s problem.

Conclusion:

Again, it’s a shock. But it’s highly doubtful this will go down as a mistake. Yes, there’s other needs, but the Raiders’ offense got better Thursday night and that’s the whole idea of the draft.