Raiders film room: Brock Bowers shines during his NFL debut

Bowers could be the Raiders first round draft success since 2019

The Las Vegas Raiders on draft night were expected to take a tackle, quarterback, or cornerback at 13. When the pick came around, one of the draft’s best players was on the board. The Raiders selected Brock Bowers out of Georgia even though they had a tight end with high potential on the roster.

Bowers was a two-time Mackey Award winner and a standout at Georgia. He helped them win two national championships and was a dangerous threat as a receiver. It was expected for him to have an impact on the Raiders offense and in Week 1 we saw that came into fruition.

Bowers led the Raiders in targets with eight and had six receptions for 58 yards. He was used in the slot and lined up in line as a tight end. Fans were able to see his talent as a route runner and he even showed himself as a blocker.

On this 26-yard catch in the second quarter, he ran a route that has put Travis Kelce in the hall of fame. The route concept is called a blaze out which is selling the post and turning it into an out route. Bowers executes this perfectly having the linebacker rush back after the play action only to lose Bowers in the process. It ended up being a big play against the Raiders.

He displayed his talent in the slot as well. In the play below he is lined up one on one versus Derwin James. He will be running a slant route and does a good job vs press getting square creating a two-way go. He does a jab step outside to create separation with a good ball from Minshew for the 8-yard catch.

On this play, it shows his nuance as a route runner. He will be running a dig from the in line tight-end position. When he releases he stems outside which helps keep the corner back and play the chance of an out route. Instead, we see Bowers break inside with plenty of separation and get a first down with the pass from Minshew.

If Bowers can continue to grow as a route runner and blocker it could be the Raiders’ best first-round draft pick this decade. Bowers has the potential to become one of the best tight ends in football and it was exhibited last Sunday vs the Los Angeles Chargers.