Key spots that enabled the Raiders to get Georgia tight end
The Las Vegas Raiders may have struck gold when Georgia tight end Brock Bowers fell into their laps at the No. 13 overall pick.
While Bowers was considered a luxury pick for a team that didn’t have a major need at the position, the Raiders received great value
Let’s look at some key spots in the draft that all helped the Raiders land Bowers:
Chargers take Notre Dame tackle Joe Alt at No. 5:
It would have been big a bit of a surprise on draft night had the Chargers made Bowers the pick. But it was definitely a possibility. In the end, the thought was a tackle was the biggest need for Jim Harbaugh’s new offense and Alt provided good value. But Bowers would have been a nice addition for Chargers’ quarterback Justin Herbert.
Falcons take Washington quarterback Michael Penix at No. 8:
The Falcons were never considered a logical fit for Bowers. But, frankly, neither was Penix. The rush on quarterbacks was a major reason for Bowers’ fall. Had the Falcons not make the stunning choice of Penix, it would have slid the quarterbacks down and either Penix or Bo Nix would have been available to the Raiders at No. 13 and they could have gone that route. But this selection helped take the Raiders out of the quarterback game.
Bears take Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze at No 9:
This was considered a possible trade-up spot for some teams. There was chatter the Rams wanted to move up for Bowers. But this choice ended that notion.
Jets take Penn State tackle Olu Fashanu at No. 11:
The Jets had long been thought as a real possibility to land Bowers. They traded with Minnesota from the 10th to the 11th pick, but decided to go the tackle route, further dropping Bowers. That is probably the point were the Raiders’ draft room thought getting Bowers was a real possibility.
Broncos take Oregon quarterback Bo Nix at No. 12:
This was the team team that could block Bowers from Las Vegas. Denver had a need at tight end as well. But Broncos’ coach Sean Payton went the quarterback route. Again, if the Broncos had drafted Bowers Nix could be in the Silver and Black. So, the Raiders were watching their AFC West rival on the clock closely.
Conclusion:
The top of the draft was weird because the heavy run on quarterbacks. It hurt Bowers’ draft stock, but benefitted the Raiders. Again, this was as a luxury and many people thought they would go the tackle or cornerback route. But, getting this talent should be celebrated.