Las Vegas Raiders quick reaction NFL Draft grade: Lynn Bowden Jr.
By BD Williams
Why the pick makes sense
Bowden is the consummate competitor, putting his team on his back and playing out of position the year before he was slated to go to the NFL, possibly hurting his stock and not polishing his game as a wideout or back. Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden surely took notice of his selflessness and versatility. Bowden fits the current mold of Raiders under Mayock, someone who is passionate about football and has incredible toughness.
Bowden will be labeled as a running back in the Raiders offense, but he will likely be on the field predominately in passing situations, giving the Raiders a potent open-field weapon as a pass catcher. Bowden also has shown enough chops to be a solid change of pace option for Jacobs out of the backfield possessing a similar running style, predicated on anticipation and making defenders miss.
While Bowden might not be as physical of a runner as Jacobs, his tape shows a little more juice and cap be a homerun threat once he finds a crease.
Next. Las Vegas Raiders select a versatile weapon in Lynn Bowden Jr.. dark
Bowden can also be used as a return man for the Raiders. The Raiders have been dismal in the return game since Jacoby Ford last suited up in Silver and Black, Bowden is a proven commodity as a returner and should start the season in either the kick or punt return position.