The Las Vegas Raiders have been doing interesting moves the last couple of seasons in the NFL but it seems like it’s all coming into fruition now. Two of the biggest moves came this offseason where they brought Geno Smith as their new quarterback and Pete Carroll as the head coach.
However, it was one of the last year’s moves the one that took everyone by surprise with his latest revelations. Brock Bowers was drafted last season by the Raiders and his rookie year was stellar, earning an All-Pro selection. However, it seems Bowers didn’t even know about the Raiders interest in him.
The tight end appeared on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast and he shared the story about his pick. “It’s actually kind of funny, it’s always like the team you least expect to pick you,” Bowers said. “I didn’t talk to them [Raiders] a ton, I talked to other teams a lot more and then I get a call. Me and my agent are talking and Las Vegas isn’t even in the picture really. … All of a sudden I get a call and it says Las Vegas, Nevada. I said, ‘Should I pick this up?’ and he said, ‘Hell yeah pick it up!’“
Brock Bowers was pure gold in 2024
Hailing from Georgia, Bowers went to Sin City and instantly delivered. He posted 112 catches and 1,194 yards to go alongside 5 touchdowns. He was one of the few bright spots the Raiders had last season.
Brock Bowers #89 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs with the ball during mandatory minicamp at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center on June 12, 2025 in Henderson, Nevada.
Now, with a better quarterback like Geno Smith throwing him the ball and a way better culture on the team, Bowers’ ceiling grew even more. He is already an elite tight end but he can become the best of them all in the near future.
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Who else can help the Raiders offense?
Geno Smith is a huge upgrade on last year’s quarterbacks. That for one. Chip Kelly is the new offensive coordinator, that’s also a huge upgrade on play-calling duties. Bowers is still there, and boy did the Raiders make bold moves this offseason too. Pete Carroll will make sure his team is always prepared.
The Raiders brought running back Raheem Mostert to the team and they also kept wideout Jakobi Meyers who is a prolific route runner. However, it’s the drafting of running back Ashton Jeanty the one that creates ridiculous hype. Jeanty is one of the best college RBs in history and he wants to become a star in the NFL.
Also, the Raiders have been infatuated by fourth-round pick Dont’e Thornton Jr. The 6-foot-5 receiver who runs a 4.3 40-yard dash has been impressing in the offseason. If all these bets work for the Raiders, it will be a very tough team to face.
