Brock Bowers, originally from Napa, California, recalls attending Oakland Raiders training camps as a middle schooler. He even got an autograph from Derek Carr, the quarterback back then. Now, Bowers finds himself drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders, the team that used to train nearby, with the 13th pick in the NFL draft.
“It feels like things have come full circle,” Bowers remarked from Napa.
This marks the second consecutive year that the Raiders have chosen a tight end early in the draft. Last year, they traded up to pick Michael Mayer from Notre Dame in the second round. Mayer had a decent rookie season, catching 27 passes for 304 yards and two touchdowns.
“We think highly of Michael Mayer, but we wanted to add another dynamic to our offense,” stated Raiders general manager Tom Telesco. “We need more playmakers on offense.”
Bowers, who won the John Mackey Award twice as the best tight end in college football, had an impressive senior season with 56 catches for 714 yards and six touchdowns.
Although he didn’t have much contact with the Raiders before the draft, Bowers expressed his excitement about joining the team.
“I was really surprised,” he admitted. “When I got the call from Las Vegas, I was thrilled.” Known for his versatility, Bowers was used in various roles at Georgia, showcasing his ability to line up anywhere on the field.
“I enjoy playing in different positions,” Bowers added. “Whatever the team asks of me, I’ll give it my all.”
Telesco also praised Bowers’ blocking skills, noting that playing in the SEC against tough defenses like Georgia’s has prepared him well.
