The Las Vegas Raiders were fortunate enough to have Georgia tight end Brock Bowers fall into their lap with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. His rookie season was one to remember, as he caught 112 passes for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns.
Bowers earned Pro Bowl honors in his first professional campaign, and he was also named a First-Team All-Pro. He broke several Raiders records during his rookie year, as well as NFL tight end or rookie records.
His impressive season has also earned him a rightful spot among the best tight ends in the league.
Las Vegas Raiders TE Brock Bowers (89).
Las Vegas Raiders TE Brock Bowers (89).
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Legendary NFL tight end Greg Olsen, who went to three Pro Bowls and earned two All-Pro honors in his career, spoke recently on an episode of Pardon My Take about what makes Bowers such a special player.
"That is just unique, to be that tall, that long, super linear, in (the SEC), and you look like the fastest guy on the field," Olsen said. "If he was able to come out of the draft after his second year, ... He would have been a top 10 pick."
Olsen also has a great understanding of both head coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Geno Smith because he played alongside them for the Seattle Seahawks in 2020. He spoke about what Raider Nation should expect for this season and beyond from Bowers and the new regime.
"He's uniquely talented," Olsen said. "I'll be interested to see how that plays out now with the new regime and Pete Carroll. Geno loves his tight ends, but they are going to run the ball. ... As far as just a talent, I think he's the best tight end prospect to come out of the draft in the last 10-15 years. His rookie year matched it, if not exceeded it, which was pretty incredible."
Bowers and the Raiders will open up the 2025 NFL season on the road against the New England Patriots on Sunday, September 7.