Georgia TE Brock Bowers reacts to going No. 13 overall in 2024 NFL Draft

Fans and draft experts weren't the only ones who were shocked to hear Bowers' name called by the silver and black. 

"I was shocked," Bowers, who had limited contact with the Raiders ahead of the draft, told reporters moments after he was selected. "I wasn't really totally sure what was happening, but when that call came up and it said Las Vegas, Nevada, I was juiced."

Bowers, a Napa Valley native, will now play closer to home after spending the last three years in the southeast with the Bulldogs. 

It's a "full circle" moment for Bowers who remembers when the Raiders practiced in his hometown where he got Derek Carr's autograph. 

"It's kind of cool how things come full circle like that and I remember going to watch them practice," Bowers said. "It's cool how it all comes around."

This is the second year in a row that Las Vegas has taken a tight end. Last year, they traded up in the second round to grab Notre Dame's Michael Mayer. 

Mayer is a solid receiving tight end, but he isn't Brock Bowers. 

Widely deemed the best player to ever play tight end at the college level, Bowers takes the jump to the pro level with two-time national champion and two-time John Mackey Award winner written on his resume. 

"I feel like I can be used in a multitude of ways," Bowers said. "At Georgia, I was moved all around. They put me in the backfield sometimes, tight end, slot, outside receiver. So, I feel like versatility is a big part of my game and I'm just excited to see what's in store for this next year."