After years of struggling, the Las Vegas Raiders have finally made it to the NFL Draft. New general manager Tom Telesco came to the Raiders from the LA Chargers last season and immediately made his presence felt in April’s draft.
In the first round, Telesco and Georgia selected Brock Bowers with their 13th overall pick. While some criticized the selection being made hastily due to the quarterback situation on the team, Powers didn’t care because he is the best player in the league at the position in many categories.
Brock Bowers leads all TEs in receptions (second among all receivers) and receiving yards. He’s a newbie btw. 😳
📅: #NationalTightEndsDay – Sunday, October 27th pic.twitter.com/LOUFXjLSSR
– NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2024
As seen above, he is second with 47 receptions between tight ends and wide receivers. This is accomplished through a quarterback position that is one of the worst in the league. Through seven matches, he has left an impression on teammates and opponents.
“I hope he breaks every one (of the rookie tight ends who have records). He’s in a league of his own. This is a different kind of cat.” Jacoby Myers said.
Although he was a tight receiver, one aspect of his game that is sometimes forgotten is his above-average blocking abilities. Speaking of blocking, the team’s next two picks have thrived in different blocking zones as well.
Left guard Jackson Powers-Johnson was the team’s second-round pick in April’s draft and has been declared. The 6-3, 335-pound offensive lineman was known for his elite competitive toughness as an Oregon Duck, which has been the case during his tenure with the Silver and Black this season.
the #Invaders I got a monster in Jackson Powers Johnson.
Not only is he physically dominant, but he plays really well. Look at the open running lanes behind JPJ. pic.twitter.com/5fJGGUN5Qa
-Sangeet T. (@Sanjit__T) September 30, 2024
Despite missing some time due to injury, he has quickly adapted to the NFL game and is expected to be a key piece of the team’s offensive line.
Last but not least is the team’s third-round pick, Delmar ‘DJ’ Glaze. In recent weeks, he has been the team’s starter at right tackle and has proven to be a force in the team’s run blocking department.
DJ Glaze among OTs in Week 7:
â—¾ 81.7 PFF grade (3rd)
â—¾ 90.1 degree of immobilization (first) pic.twitter.com/HOxDVQYUCn
– PFF Las Vegas Raiders (@PFF_Raiders) October 25, 2024
At 6-4, 325 pounds, he has proven to be physical and, like Jackson Powers-Johnson, is adapting to the NFL game at a respectable rate.
Overall, the Raiders got three quality players in one draft when they were hard-pressed to find a single quality player in three separate drafts combined. Few other NFL teams can say they’re already making the return of their picks at the Silver and Black level.
