2024 NFL Draft: Raiders select TE Brock Bowers, Georgia with the 13th pick

Raiders go with a shocker and take a tight end

With the 13th pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders selected Brock Bowers, tight end out of Georgia.

While the Raiders were expected to target a quarterback on night one, six QBs were taken within the first 12 picks. So, general manager Tom Telesco and head coach Antonio Pierce went with a big twist and drafted arguably the best player available in Bowers.

Bowers had a great three-year career at Georgia where he accumulated 175 catches, 2,538 yards and 26 touchdowns while also compiling 19 carries for 193 yards and five scores on the ground as a rusher. That helped lead to him winning the Mackey Award twice which is given to the top tight end in college football.

There is no doubt that the Georgia product is a playmaker, but the Raiders did have more or bigger needs even after striking out at quarterback. Many expected the front office to target a cornerback or offensive tackle if taking a signal-caller wasn’t an option.

Daniel Jeremiah said on NFL Network that Telesco texted him and said: “We need juice and Bowers brings it.” However, this is an interesting pick seeing as the Raiders spent a second-round pick — and traded up for — tight end Michael Mayer next year. But, that was a different regime.

Does that mean Mayer is on the trading block? We’ll have to wait and find out, but the Raiders will certainly have a stable of quality offensive weapons if they keep him. Wide receivers Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers along with Mayer and Bowers at tight end will give whoever the team’s quarterback is plenty of options to throw to.

Silver and Black Pride will continue to monitor the draft through the weekend, including if the Raiders trade back into the first round tonight. Be sure to check back throughout the weekend for updates.