The Las Vegas Raiders don’t have many offensive weapons that could be put next to the NFL’s very best, but they have at least one, rookie first-rounder Brock Bowers. And the Los Angeles Rams will try to do what few have in his short NFL career, contain him.
The Raiders picked up Bowers in the 2024 draft with the 13th overall pick and since he has stood out as one of the top selections from the draft. So far in six games, he has caught 37 passes on 46 targets for 384 yards. That is third most among all rookies and currently leads all tight ends.
Rams DC On Brock Bowers
Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula was asked if preparing for San Francisco 49er All-Pro tight end, George Kittle was good preparation for Bowers.
“I mean you’re exactly right. That does, from a game plan standpoint and a matchup standpoint,” Shula said, “they provide a lot of similar problems. George has been one of the best and he was drafted in San Fran in [20]17, when we got here. So we see him every year and we’re used to seeing him.”
Shula also praised Bowers for his ability to play all over their formations. Bowers has played nearly 60 percent of his snaps in the slot but also plays inline (23.8) and out wide (19.4%)
They have done a better job containing Kittle in recent years. Since 2021, he has averaged just 30.6 yards per reception and has two touchdowns in five games. Kittle missed the Week 3 game against the 49ers.
Although, the analogy isn’t perfect. Kittle primarily lines up with the offensive line, not in the slot. There have been times in this season that the Rams have struggled against slot receivers and tight ends. 49ers WR Jauan Jennings caught for 175 yards and three touchdowns, working primarily out of the slot.
Last week saw a massive shake-up in the Rams secondary, including shifting undrafted rookie, Josh Wallace to the nickel. Green Bay’s top two slot receivers Jayden Reed and Tucker Kraft combined for 166 yards and two touchdowns.
The Rams pass rush will have to be formidable to force the Raiders to move him inside, as the Cleveland Browns did three weeks ago. In that game, he was held to just 19 yards receiving. He averaged 73 yards in the rest of his games.
It’s become clear why Sean McVay was so eager to attempt to trade up for this guy; attempting to trade up in the 2024 NFL Draft to acquire Georgia tight end. They made two trade offers to the New York Jets, proposing to trade picks 10 and 11 overall for pick 10. They also offered the Las Vegas picks 19 and 52 in exchange for picks 13 and 112.
