The Las Vegas Raiders took tight end Brock Bowers with the No. 13 pick in last month’s NFL Draft, and the University of Georgia product is thought to have the potential to become a star at the next level.
Going into the draft, some figured they would or should take a quarterback with that pick, as they have an unproven Aidan O’Connell, as well as Gardner Minshew, at the position right now.
However, once Michael Penix Jr., Bo Nix, and J.J. McCarthy were taken before the Raiders were on the clock, they reportedly decided to flip a coin in order to decide between Bowers and cornerback Terrion Arnold.
But per Ryan Clark, head coach Antonio Pierce denies there was ever any coin flip or debate while saying that they were fully sold on Bowers at that point.
Spoke to @Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce, & denied speaking to Terrion Arnold. “No call, and no coin flip.”
“As soon as the last two QBS Went off the board. We SAID BOWERS all the way.” -AP
He also said the Bowers’ pick was ready before the Raiders were on the clock.
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) May 9, 2024
Arnold ended up being selected with the No. 24 pick by the Detroit Lions.
Some would say cornerback is a bigger need for Las Vegas than tight end, even though Michael Mayer, a second-round draft choice they made last year, had a disappointing rookie season.
Bowers posted 175 catches, 2,538 yards, and 31 total touchdowns in three seasons with the Bulldogs while being named an All-American each year.
Between Bowers, Davante Adams, and Jakobi Meyers, the Raiders certainly have some adequate offensive weapons, but they also have several roster deficiencies, starting with the QB spot.
They have made the playoffs just twice and haven’t won a single postseason game since the 2002 campaign, and it is hard to imagine them reversing that trend this coming season.
