In an unexpected move that surprised analysts and rival teams alike, the Las Vegas Raiders drafted tight end Brock Bowers with the 13th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. This choice raised eyebrows due to the team’s previous investment in Michael Mayer and its myriad of other pressing needs.
While some see Bowers as a luxury pick, others believe he could revolutionize the Raiders’ offensive strategy, akin to how the New England Patriots utilized their iconic tight-end duo.
Michael Mayer and Brock Bowers Comparison to New England Patriots’ Duo”
The pick’s controversy stems from the Raiders already having drafted Michael Mayer just last year. A rival general manager criticized the decision in Mike Sando’s anonymous draft survey:
“I think they were stuck once Atlanta took [Michael] Penix and they were like, ‘Oh, crap, we might not get a quarterback to fall to us,’ and they scrambled and took that kid. He is a good player, but a luxury item. I don’t like those kinds of picks unless you have everything else.”
This skepticism isn’t unfounded. However, the Raiders seem intent on shaping their offensive game plan around both Mayer and Bowers, in a manner reminiscent of the Patriots’ success with Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.
Las Vegas Raiders’ Plan to Emulate New England Patriots’ Success
To maximize Bowers’ and Mayer’s potential, the Raiders may rely on a 12-personnel setup, which features two tight ends. Such a formation was successful for the Patriots, keeping defenses on their toes as they tried to predict whether New England would run or pass.
“If they are willing to do that, which nobody other than New England has leaned into since they had [Aaron] Hernandez and Gronk [Rob Gronkowski], it’s great. If you go out there in base, they are going to throw the ball on you. If you play nickel or dime, they will run the ball down your throat,” one GM commented.
During the Hernandez-Gronkowski era, the Patriots maintained a top-three scoring rank for three seasons. However, it’s worth noting that the Atlanta Falcons, the league’s current leader in 12-personnel deployment, achieved just average offensive results last season, ranking 14th in EPA (Expected Points Added).
Brock Bowers is going to be such a great Raider
pic.twitter.com/fyVjPN0orw— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) May 5, 2024
Questions Surrounding Brock Bowers’ Fit in Las Vegas Raiders
Skepticism still lingers about how the Raiders will best utilize Bowers. One anonymous GM voiced concerns over whether Las Vegas fully grasps Bowers’ unique strengths: “Bowers is not like Dalton Kincaid, where you can create separation in the normal flow of the offense.
You have to move him. He would be ideal in San Francisco or Miami. Whereas Kincaid is special at the top of the route, Bowers is one-cut, catch it, break three tackles, and he’s gone.”
The question remains whether new head coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco can devise a scheme that optimally harnesses the combined skills of Mayer and Bowers. Their success could heavily depend on strategic deployment.
Tom Telesco’s Philosophy and Future Implications
Ultimately, the decision to draft Bowers aligns with Telesco’s draft philosophy of choosing the best available player. Since he wasn’t involved in Mayer’s selection, he disregarded previous investments to build the strongest roster possible. Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen, but it speaks to the Raiders’ aggressive approach under Telesco’s guidance.
In a league where offensive creativity is crucial, the Raiders are betting on Bowers to be a transformative player who can elevate their offensive ceiling. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see if this risky move yields a significant reward for Las Vegas.
