Don’t look now, but Mike Mayock told us he was drafting Lynn Bowden Jr. way back in February at the NFL combine.
Well, the words “Bowden Jr.” never came out of his mouth, but they may as well have, because Mayock talked about finding a versatile player who could play all the skill positions on offense.
Mayock said Bowden was drafted by the Raiders to play running back, but he figures to be all over the field in Jon Gruden’s offense – at wide receiver and even returning punts. He also had 79 career pass attempts at Kentucky, so one of the best NFL comparisons for Bowden might be former Steelers and Redskins do-it-all type Antwaan Randle El.
As if that isn’t enough of a resume, Bowden was also a high school punter and while his punting skills might not be NFL-ready, his ability to salvage botched punt formation have always looked NFL ready.
For the first time since he came back to the Raiders, Gruden has explosive players all over the offense. Henry Ruggs III figures to open up the field for guys like Darren Waller, Tyrell Williams, and Hunter Renfrow, but it might not be long before opposing coordinators develop the healthy habit of locating Bowden’s position on the field first… whatever position that happens to be.
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I’m counting on Bowden to be the Raiders new dynamic player on offense. This guy can do it all. He had over 1400 yards rushing last year and averaged over 7 yards per carry. The year before he had 67 receptions. He would make a great all purpose back who can return punts/kicks too.
Bowden has a good a chance as any of the new class to make an immediate impact on this team. We just got way more athletic on this team and it’s the most athletic team the Raiders have had since the 80’s. Look for this group of guys to have a good season and build for the future
Napoleon Kaufman is one of my favorite Raiders. He was a big play artist. He could totally turn any play into a huge gain. There were many others, Bo Jackson was one. We need big play makers. Bowden and Ruggs will undoubtedly help Jacobs and Waller tear up opponents. Love this draft! Arnette and Robertson may do the big play thing on defense.
They really wanted Antonio Gibson but the “Redskins” beat them to it.
Last year the Raiders wanted Montez Sweat but the Deadskins traded with Indy to best the Raiders to the punch…
The year before the Whiners were one pick ahead of the Raiders & drafted McGlinchey, prompting the Raiders to reach on Kolton Miller…
Regularly happens after the first round & throughout the draft…