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 added a different offensive weapon in Georgia tight end Brock Bowers.
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In the second round, the Raiders addressed their needs along the offensive line by selecting Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson, a player with guard/center flexibility.
Keep coming back here throughout the draft for analysis and grades for each Raiders pick.
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Round 1
No. 13: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
How he fits
To justify this pick, you have to think of Brock Bowers as a pass catcher, not strictly 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 major coup. The Raiders will need to go heavily out of 12 personnel to make this work. Great value but did Bowers fill a need?
That said, Bowers is a steal at this point. The first two-time Mackey Award winner as the nation’s top tight end, Bowers is a mismatch wherever he lines up — inline, the slot, the backfield or out wide. Few pass 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 choice in 2023, Bowers was prolific the day he entered Georgia. He finished with 175 catches for 2,538 yards (14.5 yards per catch) and 26 touchdowns. With a right hamstring issue, Bowers didn’t work out at his combine or pro day but that’s of no concern for NFL scouts. He was the best player on the field every time he stepped on it in college. — Scott Dochterman
Dane Brugler’s analysis
Bowers is an explosive pass catcher who creates mismatches all over the field with speed, ball skills and competitive edge. He has NFL star potential in the mold of George Kittle, if he lands with a play caller prepared to feature his unique and versatile talent.
Tashan Reed’s analysis
Raiders draft Brock Bowers: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel
Grade: B+
GO DEEPER
NFL Draft 2024 Round 1 grades: Falcons, Broncos get Cs for Penix, Nix; Bears earn two A’s
Round 2
No. 44: Jackson Powers-Johnson, G, Oregon
How he fits
The 2023 Rimington winner, Powers-Johnson is a terrific and powerful athlete who showed dominant flashes at the point of attack and in the second level as a run blocker. He dominated the Senior Bowl as just a junior, but there are hiccups here. Powers-Johnson has an injury history (including concussions) and isn’t very long — but this is a very, very tough football player and a guy who will advance the culture. Love this pick. — Nick Baumgartner
Dane Brugler’s analysis
Powers-Johnson’s inexperience is reflected in his technique, but he offers a fantastic combination of size, athleticism and toughness, with the skill set that translates to both center and guard. His game reminds me of Ryan Kelly, who won the Rimington Award at Alabama before becoming a first-round pick in 2016.
Tashan Reed’s analysis
Raiders draft Jackson Powers-Johnson: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel
Grade: A
Round 3
No. 77
Round 4
No. 112
Round 5
No. 148
Round 6
No. 208 (via Chiefs)
Round 7
No. 223 (via Patriots)
No. 229 (via Vikings)
(Photo of Jackson Powers-Johnson: Kevin Abele / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
