Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr did not want to wait until training camp to put in work with some of his rookies. Carr had a throwing session with Vegas draftee Lynn Bowden Jr. last Thursday. The field appears to have been full of cones, with Bowden working on route combinations and Carr airing out his deep ball.
Former Alabama star Henry Ruggs was the high-profile receiver the Raiders selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Raiders general manager Mike Mayock was clearly intent on stockpiling assets at the position, drafting Bowden in the third round.
The Raiders know that Bowden, the former Kentucky star, was a hybrid for the Wildcats in 2019. He rushed for close to 1,500 yards and also played some quarterback, completing 35-of-74 passes for 403 yards and three touchdowns.
Receiver is still Bowden's primary position. He had 67 catches for 745 yards and five scores in his sophomore seasons.
Bowden has more use to the Raiders as a wideout. Josh Jacobs lurks in Vegas' backfield, and Bowden is certainly not coming for Carr's spot anytime soon.
Speaking of Carr, the three-time Pro Bowler for the Raiders had arguably the best season of his career in 2019. Carr posted career-high marks in completion percentage (70.4), passing yards (4,054) and yards gained per pass attempt (7.9) last year.
The Raiders were one of the teams rumored to be interested in Tom Brady when free agency opened in March, but both Mayock and head coach Jon Gruden quickly indicated Carr was the team's quarterback moving forward.
The Raiders will hope Bowden can be an explosive weapon for Carr in the team's first year in Sin City.