All-Pro TE Brock Bowers Admits Raiders ‘Weren’t Even in the Picture Really’ Before Surprise Draft Call…see more….
In the lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft, most analysts had Georgia tight end Brock Bowers pegged as a top-10 pick and a likely fit with several teams in need of a dynamic pass-catching threat. But when the Las Vegas Raiders called his name with the No. 13 overall pick, it sent a ripple through the draft world—and even surprised Bowers himself.
Speaking in a recent interview, the All-Pro rookie tight end revealed just how unexpected the Raiders’ selection was from his perspective.
“They weren’t even in the picture really,” Bowers said with a laugh. “I didn’t talk to them much during the pre-draft process, so when they called, I was a little shocked.”
The admission is striking, given how central Bowers has become to the Raiders’ offensive plans just months later. In his rookie season, Bowers has already established himself as one of the most productive tight ends in the league, earning All-Pro honors and solidifying his role as a cornerstone of the franchise’s future.
A Draft-Day Surprise
Leading up to the draft, several teams—including the New York Jets, Los Angeles Chargers, and Chicago Bears—were rumored to have heavy interest in Bowers. With an unmatched blend of size, speed, and route-running ability, Bowers was widely considered one of the most NFL-ready prospects at any position.
Las Vegas, on the other hand, was not prominently mentioned in most mock drafts. At the time, the Raiders had other perceived roster needs—especially at quarterback and offensive line—and tight end wasn’t viewed as a top priority. Michael Mayer, a promising second-year player from Notre Dame, was expected to handle those duties.
But the Raiders had different plans. When the 13th pick arrived and Bowers was still on the board, the team pounced, selecting him over available quarterbacks and linemen. The move was seen by some as a “best player available” decision, but it’s paid off handsomely.
A Rapid Ascent
Despite the initial surprise, Bowers has quickly adapted to life in silver and black. Through 16 games of his rookie season, he tallied 79 receptions for 912 yards and 7 touchdowns, numbers that placed him among the elite tight ends in the NFL.
Head coach Antonio Pierce spoke glowingly of his young star.
“He’s just a competitor,” Pierce said. “Whether it’s practice or game day, Brock shows up and gives you everything he’s got. He’s a difference-maker on every snap.”
Bowers’ ability to line up as a traditional in-line tight end, split wide as a receiver, or even in the backfield has given the Raiders unprecedented versatility on offense. Opposing defenses have struggled to match up with his physicality and quickness, often needing to double him—something that’s opened up opportunities for the rest of the receiving corps.
Building Chemistry
The Raiders’ quarterback situation has been fluid since the draft, with veteran Gardner Minshew starting the season but yielding to rookie Aidan O’Connell by midseason. No matter who’s under center, Bowers has been their most reliable weapon.
“He makes our job easier,” O’Connell said. “If I need a play on third down, or we’re in the red zone, I know where to go. He’s going to get open and make the catch.”
Bowers credits his early success to the team’s culture and his fellow tight ends, including Mayer, who embraced a shared role rather than seeing Bowers as competition.
“Mayer’s been awesome,” Bowers said. “He’s helped me with the playbook, blocking schemes, everything. We’re both out there a lot, and I think defenses have a tough time handling both of us.”
Why the Fit Works
Las Vegas’ offense under new coordinator Luke Getsy emphasizes tight end involvement, with a mix of vertical routes, option patterns, and misdirection plays. That’s an ideal system for a player like Bowers, who thrived on creativity at Georgia.
“He’s like a chess piece,” Getsy said. “You can move him all over the board, and the defense has to account for him. It gives us so many options in our game planning.”
The Raiders have also leaned heavily on two-tight end sets, something that allows Bowers and Mayer to be on the field simultaneously. The result has been one of the league’s most unpredictable and efficient passing games in the intermediate range.
A Star in the Making
While Bowers was open about the Raiders not being on his radar pre-draft, he’s made it clear that he’s fully committed now.
“It worked out better than I could’ve imagined,” he said. “The fans have been great, the locker room is tight, and I love where we’re headed as a team.”
Bowers’ rookie campaign has already drawn comparisons to some of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, including Rob Gronkowski, Travis Kelce, and George Kittle. While it’s still early in his career, the Georgia product’s trajectory suggests he’ll be in that conversation for years to come.
What Comes Next
With Bowers now entrenched as a franchise player, the Raiders face the challenge of continuing to build around him. Quarterback remains a long-term question, and the offensive line will need reinforcements. But with Bowers and Mayer in place, Las Vegas has one of the league’s most promising young foundations.
“We’ve got something special here,” Bowers said. “Now it’s about putting the rest of the pieces together and winning games. That’s the goal.”
It’s a remarkable journey for a player who didn’t even expect to be a Raider—but has quickly become one of its brightest stars. And as his confidence grows, so does the team’s belief that they’ve struck gold.
From being “not even in the picture” to being the face
of a franchise, Brock Bowers’ story is just getting started.
