The Las Vegas Raiders made some franchise-defining picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Raiders drafted sensational tight end Brock Bowers and versatile interior offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson in the first two rounds, both of whom should start right away. However, one draft prospect recently explained how the Raiders could have easily had a very different start to the draft.
On a recent episode of The Next Round, Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold spoke about his NFL Draft experience. Arnold dropped several interesting details, including a twist of fate that almost made him a Las Vegas Raider.
“[Detroit] knew that the Raiders, there was a possibility that they took me,” Arnold said. “And actually the Raiders' coach they called me after the draft and they were like we actually had a coin toss between you and Brock Bowers. It landed on him.”
Arnold was surprised to receive the news that his NFL landing spot essentially was decided by a coin toss.
He went on to explain how, after the Raiders passed on him, the Lions kept making calls and trying to trade up for him.
“After the Raiders passed, [Detroit thought] okay we have to get up there past Jacksonville,” Arnold explained. “Actually Brad he was like they were trying to trade all the way up to 15 or 16 to get me. I mean it's just one of those things where you go where you're wanted.”
It appears that the Raiders were in a win-win situation because Terrion Arnold would have been an excellent pick at 13th overall. The Raiders are projected to start Nate Hobbs and Jack Jones at outside cornerback in 2024. Had Las Vegas drafted Arnold, they would have a new CB1 with high upside.
Previewing the 2024 Las Vegas Raiders offense: how will Raiders deploy Brock Bowers?
Coin toss or no, Las Vegas is thrilled to have Brock Bowers as a centerpiece of their offense moving forward.
The question remains: how will they deploy Bowers?
Bowers is a rare talent at the tight end position. He dominated during his entire collegiate career, including during his rookie season at Georgia. Las Vegas must have been impressed that Bowers could walk into an SEC program and take over right away. He'll be asked to do something similar in Vegas, whose offense could use another major weapon.
Bowers is capable of lining up in-line as a traditional Y tight end, or flexing out into the slot and playing a big slot role. He also boasts blazing speed, which makes him dangerous as a pass catcher in either role.
Las Vegas drafted Michael Mayer in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, which could make the decision somewhat easy. Mayer excels as a in-line tight end, which could push Bowers into the slot if both players are on the field at the same time. The team could also run a high volume of 12 personnel. This would allow Vegas to have all of their best offensive weapons on the field at the same time.
Raiders fans can't wait to see what Bowers can do later this fall.
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