Obviously, Las Vegas Raiders rookie Brock Bowers is a well-known name for anyone who has watched even an occasional college football game. He has been rumored to be the best tight-end prospect ever, which is not surprising. According to Pro Football Focus, Brock Bowers has had the best career of a prospect over two seasons having over a 90.0 overall grade twice.
To understand the full picture, Bowers was a two-time national champion with the Georgia Bulldogs and the primary weapon. Being the primary weapon despite sharing the field with George Pickens and Adonai Mitchell is a statement. 2021 was his true freshman season where he totaled 882 yards and an outstanding 13 touchdowns. 2022 saw even better production which led to him winning his first of two John Mackey awards.
How will the Las Vegas Raiders use Brock Bowers?
The Raiders’ offense will not primarily use him as a tight end, despite his listing as such. The Bulldogs used him 55 percent of the time as a slot receiver and occasionally as a running back, according to PFF. In this new Luke Getsy offense, look for him to be a major decoy in pre-snap motion because of his versatility.
Being that the team already has a young tight end in Michael Mayer, Bowers will likely not be the primary in-line tight end. Antonio Pierce, the head coach, has committed to a running back committee, which could potentially utilize him in the backfield. In a season at Georgia, he averaged over 14 yards per carry. Jakobi Meyers was the second option last season and will probably play more outside receiver than usual.
What are his strengths?
From watching the film of the Georgia prospect, what instantly sticks out is the yards after catch. He’s the definition of a home run threat—as slippery as you can get, he often left defenders in the dust. Bowers’ thick frame allows him to break tackles with ease, especially against defensive backs. Bowers’ keen ability to make the defender miss often led to his frequent use on screens.
Another obvious aspect of his game is his ease in catching the football. Bowers has excellent hands, as evidenced by his rare use of catching with his body. There are a few instances where Bowers can create highlight plays without the need for two hands. He is also not afraid of contact, so catching in traffic is not an issue at all.
Football intelligence is something that professionals must possess in order to succeed. Bowers is one of those players, as he knows how to create separation. Playing zone against him will not be helpful as he slows his routes in order to sink into holes. In man coverage, he knows how to maneuver his body to influence the defender and get open.
Though he is known for his receiving ability, Bowers is also willing to put his head down and block. According to PFF, he only allowed one quarterback pressure in 50 snaps and had a 73.8 run-blocking grade. On his tape, he exhibits hip fluidity which allows him to move and the strength to hold off larger defenders.
What can Brock Bowers improve?
Though he is an amazing prospect, no player is ever perfect. Bowers, as a receiving threat, is not the same type of player as Darren Waller was in the past. He ran a reported 4.53 40-yard dash, which is not slow but not fast for a receiver. He can create separation against larger safeties and linebackers but might have trouble with faster cornerbacks. This is significant because he will play many snaps in the slot.
Blocking will undoubtedly become more challenging at the NFL level, particularly for Bowers. Occasionally, he overpowered many defensive ends in college, but that is less likely with professionals. He is slightly undersized, only weighing around 240 pounds, with an average of 250. It will be interesting to see if he attempts to gain weight or maintain his current weight.
Nonetheless, Bowers has the potential to be a generational tight end, barring injuries. He should be compared to a player like Antonio Gates. It will be interesting to see how the Raiders incorporate him into the offense for his rookie season.
