Instant analysis from the Las Vegas Raiders drafting tight end Brock Bowers in 2024 NFL Draft

The Las Vegas Raiders made a pick at No. 13 that shocked a lot of people - then again, the entire first round was pretty shocking.

It all started at pick No. 8. The Atlanta Falcons were on the clock and about to do the craziest thing we had seen in years. After giving Kirk Cousins a huge contract in free agency, which is fully guaranteed through 2025, they decided they should draft quarterback Michael Penix at No. 8.

The Raiders were not able to trade up for QB Jayden Daniels, who went No. 2 overall to the Washington Commanders, as most of us thought he would. Their next prospect, or top prospect, I should say, was Penix, as quarterback is their biggest need. So, when that happened, you can assume they had cornerback and offensive tackle on their mind.

I'm sure they did, too. Then, their pick was on the clock, and everything changed. The first 12 picks of the draft were all offensive players, and six of them were quarterbacks. That left the best overall player in the draft available - he just plays a position that isn't as important.

The Raiders selected the best player available, tight end Brock Bowers. Was the move shocking? Yes. I was certain they would go for a cornerback with both Quinyon Mitchell and Terrion Arnold available. Was it a bad pick? Not necessarily.

Yes, they drafted Michael Mayer last season, so it can be a bit confusing. However, two tight ends are perfect in new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy's system. The offense was also the worst part of their team last season.

Cornerback and offensive tackle are a lot more deep in this draft than some of their other needs, so the pick makes sense. Once again, it was just shocking overall because of everything that was transpiring.

Bowers is the first tight end on our big board, and the 10th overall prospect. Here are Bowers' strengths and weaknesses and what the Raiders are getting:

STRENGTHS

• Skilled route runner with crisp footwork & fluid lateral movement skills
• Explodes out of horizontal breaks & wins leverage easily
• Alters route tempo to set up defenders
• Has the top speed to separate vertically & attack the seams
• Strong & explosive after the catch. Leads FBS with 33 broken tackles in the last two seasons
• Reliable hands, 4.4% career drop rate
• Outstanding focus & ball tracking on tight-window passes
• Excellent move-blocker. Locates targets in open space clears the alley on screens/sweeps
• Punches above his weight class & finishes blocks consistently
• Held his own vs. defensive ends. Good hand placement & leg-drive to sustain blocks

WEAKNESSES

• Struggles with press coverage when he lines up outside/in the slot
• Undersized with a below-average catch radius
• Blocking tape was more impressive in 2022
• Limited potential as an inline blocker
• Might be too small to play Y in the NFL
• Fumbled twice in 2023

I fully expect the Raiders to still draft a quarterback in this draft. But, for now, they got another weapon for either Gardner Minshew or Aidan O'Connell.