The New England Patriots maximized Rob Gronkowski’s impact by deploying him creatively, which ultimately won many games and Super Bowls during his career. He lined up as an X receiver, a fullback, and a versatile H-back, creating nightmares for defenses.

The Las Vegas Raiders can replicate this approach with rookie tight end Brock Bowers this season, and should absolutely do so if they want to maximize their odds of winning.

Bowers was an extremely versatile and an explosive athlete during his time in college with the Georgia Bulldogs. He was healthy, only missing two games in 2021, and caught a career 175 receptions for 2,538 yards and 29 touchdowns. In addition to his abilities in the receiving category, he was utilized in the running game through tight end Jet Sweeps and other creativity ways that just got the football into his hands. He finished his Bulldog career with an additional 193 rushing yards and five touchdowns.

While the Raiders took the best player available in the NFL Draft, Bowers has some help with his adjustment to the NFL with fellow tight end Michael Mayer, last year’s second-round selection. Mayer is listed at 6’4″ 265 pounds and is more likely going to be the physical blocking tight end; however, do not count out Bowers who is listed at 6’3″ 245 pounds. Both athletes can be used in a two tight end set and can block and catch the football, giving fits to opposing defenses.

The duo of Mayer and Bowers could be the next big thing in the National Football League, but that all depends on new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy.

When Getsy was the offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears last season, tight end Cole Kmet was quite effective, catching 73 receptions for 719 yards and six touchdowns. Expect Getsy to take a few staples from his Bears tenure and winkle it in with Bowers and Mayer.

In order for the Raiders to be effective in 2024, Getsy and the offensive staff must be creative with the tight end duo. If Bowers catches 50 receptions and rushes on an additional 10-15 attempts, he will have a 700-yard receiving and 150 yard rushing rookie campaign. It is vital that both tight ends are not used solely in the running game but can be placed in different offensive spots to open up the passing attack.

Getsy and company just need to go back to the Josh McDaniels earlier days when Gronkowski was placed at X receiver, catching goal line fade balls, or when he was placed at H-back and slipped across the line to catch a two-yard pass that he then turned into a long touchdown.

If you are wondering what I mean by this, here is a clip of Super Bowl LV where Gronkowski caught a touchdown on this exact play design.

For the FIRST time in his career, Tom Brady throws a 1st quarter TD in the Super Bowl.

And it goes to his old buddy Rob Gronkowski.pic.twitter.com/6Dmn3ei4Bf

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) February 8, 2021

As one can see, placing your tight ends in different roles and spots can effectively confuse defenders and defenses.

With the addition of Bowers and combining him with Mayer, the Las Vegas Raiders could have a top tier offense in the NFL if they are utilized properly; we will just have to wait to see.