Raiders take Brock Bowers with No. 13 pick

The Las Vegas Raiders selected Georgia tight end Brock Bowers in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, No. 13 overall.

Bowers caught 56 passes for 714 yards and six touchdowns in 2023. He entered the 2024 NFL Draft as the highest-rated tight end in the class.

Bowers is the second tight end selected in the first two rounds by the Raiders in as many years. The franchise took Michael Mayer in the second round of last year's draft.

The pair give Las Vegas a two-headed threat at tight end for Aidan O'Connell, who likely enters training camp as the team's starting quarterback.

Pre-draft profile

Bowers is in a class of his own among this year's tight end crop. The 21-year-old plays with elite control, handling defenders of all sizes at every level of the defense. His body control can enable success as a receiver despite his average catch radius. Bowers' adjustments while the ball is in the air give him a chance to make a play, regardless of where the pass is in relation to his defender. He's a capable blocker, both in line and in space but isn't quite a superstar in that department. Bowers also won't set any 40-yard dash records, but his play speed is great and translates to his routes. Cleaning up some of his shorter routes to create more separation from second-level defenders will give him yet another tool to excel with. The former Bulldog shines with the ball in his hands, using nigh-instant acceleration to separate from defenders and run through tackles. Bowers should be a Pro Bowl candidate from Year 1 through to the end of his career.