The Raiders filled a key position of need when they took Texas Christian wide receiver Jack Bech in the second round of the draft, but according to former wide receiver Steve Smith Sr., Bech might translate better in the NFL at another position.
Smith said prior to the draft that despite Bech being a shorter player by tight end standards, he might be a better fit in the NFL as a tight end.
“I think [Bech] creates more of a mismatch as a tight end rather than a wide receiver,” Smith said. “I think he’s not as fast as you would want him to be, but he becomes a pass catcher and nightmare for a linebacker to cover.”
At 6’1, 214 pounds, Bech is known more for his toughness and dependable hands than he is for his height and speed.
Bech’s 4.55 forty time is modest for a wide receiver, but there are examples of wide receivers who have thrived in the NFL without tremendous speed.
There have been a several NFL comps for Bech, but Puka Nacua might be the best example of a modern NFL receiver who has found success in the league without tremendous speed.
And speaking of Nacua, Sports Illustrated insider Hondo Carpenter said the Raiders were able to steal a Los Angeles Rams’ draft target for the second year in a row.
“Jack Bech is a great player. First-round grade on him. And they got him in the second round. And so that’s a guy that they thought they stole,” Carpenter said on the Las Vegas Raiders Insider podcast. “I can tell you, I got three texts, three texts from NFL executives when [he was drafted]. One of them was when they picked him. A couple were that night afterwards, when we were exchanging, that used the term, ‘They stole him.’”
“Other teams loved [Bech],” Carpenter continued. “There was, I’m told by an executive, there was two that I know of, and I think three teams trying to trade up to get him. I’m told that the Rams loved him, but the Raiders were able to snag him.”
x: @raidersbeat
I think this young man will thrive in Chip Kelly’s offense. I appreciate Smith Sr.’s comment, and it may be right on, but we have a TE that NFL teams are struggling to cover, corner, safety or linebacker. Which means somebody still got pick up this kid and I think he’s got a chance to be open a lot, or there is speed burner running free in secondary.
Rai Dahs are IDIOTS for passing on Sansers…and then taking w qbs that will never amount to anything…wasted picks.