The Las Vegas Raiders entered the 2024 NFL Draft on April 25 with eight picks over the three-day draft.

In an ideal world, the Raiders would’ve drafted a franchise quarterback in the first round on Thursday night. But the top six QBs were all off the board by the time the Raiders were on the clock at No. 13 and so the Raiders got a new offensive weapon in Georgia tight end Brock Bowers. Keep checking back here throughout the draft for commentary and grades for each Raiders pick.

To rationalize this decision, you have to think of Brock Bowers as a pass catcher, not purely a tight end. When you consider Bowers’ versatility to go along with last year’s second-round tight end Michael Mayer, then it’s a significant coup. The Raiders will need to go heavily out of 12 personnel to make this work. Great bargain but did Bowers answer a need?

That said, Bowers is a steal at this stage. The first two-time Mackey Award winner as the nation’s top tight end, Bowers is a mismatch anywhere he lines up — inline, the slot, the backfield or out wide.

Few ball catchers find a way to get open like Bowers (6-3, 243) and his 8.5 yards after the catch in his three seasons at Georgia is rare for most tight ends.

A first-team All-American for three years, including a unanimous pick in 2023, Bowers was prolific the day he joined Georgia. He finished with 175 catches for 2,538 yards (14.5 yards per catch) and 26 touchdowns.

With a right hamstring problem, Bowers didn’t work out at his combine or pro day but that’s of little concern for NFL scouts. He was the best player on the field every time he stepped on it in college. — Scott

Bowers is an explosive pass catcher who creates mismatches all over the field his speed, ball skills and competitive edge. He has NFL star potential in the mold of George Kittle, assuming he lands with a play caller prepared to utilize his unique and varied talent.