Former All Pro Greg Olsen knows a thing or two about playing the tight end position in the NFL and he had strong words for Raiders’ tight end Brock Bowers last week on the Pardon My Take podcast.
Talking about the NFL’s crop of emerging young tight ends, Olsen said Bowers has a physical skill set that is rarely seen, even at the sport’s highest level.
“He’s amazing. I remember the first time I watched him play, you saw a 6’5 white guy playing in the SEC running through the secondary and nobody was catching him,” Olsen said about Bowers. “That is just unique, to be that tall, that long, super linear, in that conference, and you look like the fastest guy on the field. If he was able to come out of the draft after his second year… He would have been a top 10 pick,” Olsen said.
“He’s uniquely talented. I’ll be interested to see how that plays out now with the new regime and Pete Carroll,” Olsen continued. “Geno loves his tight ends, but they are going to run the ball… As far as just a talent, I think he’s the best tight end prospect to come out of the draft in the last 10-15 years. His rookie year matched it, if not exceeded it, which was pretty incredible.”
Bowers broke the NFL’s rookie reception record in 2024 with 112 receptions for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns, and he set that mark with a lot of inconsistent play at the quarterback position.
The Raiders added Geno Smith in the offseason, and it will be interesting to see what Bowers’ production will look like with a stronger supporting cast around him in 2025.
With a new coaching staff in Las Vegas, the Raiders’ offense won’t look the same as it did a year ago, but what won’t change is the fact that Bowers is going to be a mismatch for just about every defender opposing coordinators throw at him in his second NFL season.
x: @raidersbeat
Hold on, it’s only been 1 year. let’s not anoint him just yet. Let’s see what happens in the next 4 – 5 years. Hopefully he’s not a 1 hit wonder.
Point taken, but it’s not just Olsen, every player, football person I ever heard talk about Bowers can’t help but gush about his play in college and thus far in the pros.
I’ve heard him referenced as a generational TE repeatedly and as long as he stays healthy, very strong HOF candidate. I know this sounds like a lot of hyperbole, but in this case many people in the business think it’s very valid.
As a Raiders fan since 1968, if that means anything to anyone, the Raiders need to solidify the quarterback position first. While Geno Smith has had some success, in the NFL, the Raiders need a competent backup. God forbid that something should happen to Geno Smith, during the regular season, surely no one believes that Adian O’Connell or some unproven rookie should try to lead this team. Therefore, I think the Raiders should pursue Joshua Dobbs. He mobile, something neither Geno Smith or Adian O’Connell are noted for. He’s a proven, capable and competent commodity that would be a viable alternative should Geno Smith sustain an injury. It is a 50-50 chance at best that most quarterbacks will get through an entire NFL season unscathed. Why not bring in a mobile, proven backup? Of course, the rookie quarterbacks will go to the practice squad but depending on Adian O’Connell to lead this team, in case Geno Smith gets injured, is less than a reassuring alternative.
Did he not beat Iron Mikes record held since the 60’s? Well yes he did! Let’s lay that to rest thank you. He is a good kid so let’s all enjoy his work. Hope he winds up being a pro bowler for the next decade. Mayer (aka) Casper seems to be doing well in OTA’s. Hope he has his on right this year.
Oh no Bill Gregory, Philly boy thinks that Aiden O’Connell is the best thing since sliced bread 😳
Walter, he’s got combat boots on his feet, zero mobility.