Brock Bowers became just the sixth tight end drafted in the top 15 of the NFL Draft since 2000. The Las Vegas Raiders were not thin at tight end (Michael Mayer was a 2023 2nd-round pick), but when Bowers was there at pick No.13, they could not pass up the opportunity. Bowers has been labeled as one of the best tight-end prospects in years, and rightfully so. In an NFL Draft that was loaded with pass-catcher talent, Bowers has just as much potential as guys like Marvin Harrison Jr, Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze do. You could make the case that Bowers has the chance to have the best career of them all.
#Raiders GM Tom Telesco said Brock Bowers was really a “consensus guy” among their scouts and coaching staff
Noted there’s no rule in the NFL that you can only play one tight end…both Mayer and Brock split out wide in college pic.twitter.com/ZxLGMP8CYf
— Jesse Merrick (@JesseNews3LV) April 26, 2024
Brock Bowers Dynasty Outlook
Best in the Nation
Brock Bowers, heavily recruited out of Napa High School in California, took his talents to Athens, Georgia, and was effective right away. As a freshman in 2021, Bowers played in all 15 games, posting 53 catches and scoring 13 receiving touchdowns. This mark would be his highest while at Georgia. He would end up as the SEC’s Freshman of the year that season. Bowers quickly became a household name and was soon the best tight end in all of college football the following year. Perhaps his best all-around season, Bowers caught 63 passes for 942 yards for 10 total touchdowns (three rushing) and captured the John Mackey Award in 2022. In an injury-riddled junior season (10 games played), Bowers’ production dipped but his draft stock did not. Overall, Bowers proved his worth while at Georgia, and the title of “generational” seemed fitting for Bowers.
Situation in Las Vegas
The Raiders still have the luxury of having Davante Adams on their team. Adams, now 31, receives attention from defenses in any game he plays and that could possibly open up space for Bowers to get opportunities. Additionally, newly-signed Michael Gallup and veteran receiver Jakobi Meyers could also be in line for defensive attention so ultimately, Bowers will not be pressured to dominate immediately. Yet, as a player of his caliber, he should still find a way to get involved and help his team.
Bottom line, you cannot question Bowers’ fit with Las Vegas. Wherever Bowers would have ended up, he would have still found a way to be effective. That is in his nature, to show out on the football field and his skill set is like no other. If you dissect Bowers, he is one of the most crisp route-runners you could have. He can get separation from anyone and his reliable hands give him that edge whenever he is facing a tough matchup. Bowers also shines gaining yards after the catch and having a hint of quickness only adds to an already outstanding set of skills.
Brock Bowers Dynasty Outlook
Bowers is the sure-fire TE1 in this rookie class and he makes the case for a top-five player overall. Likely taken in the top five to top-eight picks in every dynasty draft, KeepTradeCut stamps Bowers as the No.7 overall. Just behind Odunze and Drake Maye. You cannot overthink it when draft day comes around. The potential for Bowers is sky-high and he will give the Raiders and most fantasy teams production early on. If there were any concerns for his fantasy production it would likely be the uncertainty at quarterback. Gardner Minshew seemingly has a good game every eight weeks while Aidan O’Donnell is in a “prove-it” year. Also, Adams, Gallup, Mayer, and a catch-heavy Zamir White could take away early targets from Bowers.
FantasyPros still has Bowers projected for 56 catches for four touchdowns and finishing as the No.12 overall TE, which is fair. Ultimately, Bowers’ generational aura makes him a great piece on your Dynasty team.
Main Image: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
