Antonio Pierce calls Brock Bowers ‘most dynamic player’ in college football

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce is very happy the team drafted Brock Bowers last month. While speaking to reporters during the Raiders’ rookie minicamp over the weekend, Pierce was asked why the team selected Bowers at No. 13 overall.

“You’re talking about probably the most dynamic football player in college football at that tight end position in a long time,” Pierce said. “It’s rare you get a guy like you know that can line up as a slot receiver, see him in the backfield, reverses, catch the ball, but I think more importantly is his toughness. Watching him block in the SEC, watching him get after guys, that’s what impressed me.

“Just a gritty player,” Pierce added, “More importantly a winner and he can help us score points.” Later in the press conference, Pierce talked about him being surprised that Bowers was still on the board when the Raiders were on the clock.

“We didn’t see that one. Didn’t see it,” Pierce explained. “Didn’t think he’ll be there at 13. I was just shocked to see it kind of just like ‘Okay you counting, wow. Okay, no-brainer there.’ When you get a dynamic player a guy that loves football, doesn’t really like to talk to the media, so sorry guys. He’s not going to be long-winded. But he’s all about ball and he’s a winner.

“…He’s tough, he wants to get better. I talked to [Michael Mayer] right away when we drafted him and I said, ‘Man this is going to be a great combination.’ Two young studs to grow up together within our organization that can help us win a lot of games.”

Georgia coach Kirby Smart shows love to Brock Bowers

Bowers was a big reason the Georgia Bulldogs won national titles in 2021 and 2022. Before the draft, Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart detailed what he expects from Bowers in the NFL.

“I think the NFL is going to allow him to utilize his skillset even better,” Smart said, per Dawg Nation. “They’re a pass-first league. He’s a weapon. He can block, that’s great and we asked him to block, but he didn’t have to do that out there. They’re going to use the guy all over the place. He’s smart, is one of the best hands catchers, and in adjusting to the ball that I’ve ever been around. He can contort his body, I’ve seen some of the catches in practice that are just unreal. I think he’s going to be a great weapon for teams.”