BrockBowers

News: 21 hours agoBowers recorded nine receptions on 10 targets for 71 yards in Sunday's 32-13 loss to the Steelers.

Spin: With both Davante Adams (hamstring) and Jakobi Meyers (ankle) sidelined, Bowers was able to serve as the Raiders' top pass catcher for the second consecutive week. Aidan O'Connell was hesitant to push the ball down the field, leaving Bowers to do the majority of his damage after the catch. While his stat line is impressive enough, he also served as the lead blocker on Alexander Mattison's touchdown run in the first quarter and had a one-handed catch wiped away by a penalty. Even once Meyers and potentially Adams return to the offense, Bowers has shown enough to maintain a significant role.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: The top tight end prospect in this year's draft class, Bowers landed in a puzzling spot, selected 13th overall by the Raiders, who already had 2023 second-rounder Michael Mayer (plus Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers at wide receiver). Though a high-ankle sprain cost him four games of his final season at Georgia, Bowers posted stunning receiving numbers during a three-year career there: 175 receptions, 2,538 yards and 26 touchdowns, all easily FBS position bests, plus 8.9 yards after the catch per reception. He should immediately grab a prominent role in the Raiders' offense, though Mayer's presence could cut into his snaps, especially if Bowers struggles to adapt to the blocking chores of the position initially. Nevertheless, he has legitimate TE1 upside.