BrockBowers

News: 5 days agoCoach Antonio Pierce noted Thursday that he feels very good about Bowers (foot) being on the field for the Raiders' season opener, Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

Spin: Per Bonsignore, the Raiders are simply exercising prudence with the rookie tight end, who has been managing foot soreness of late. Added context regarding Bowers' status should arrive no later than next week's initial practice/injury report, but at this stage it appears as though Bowers will be available for the team's Week 1 contest against the Chargers on Sunday, Sept. 8.

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.