Las Vegas Raiders: Expectations for rookies in 2020

3. Lynn Bowden Jr., RB

Expectation: Package of plays every week

After using their top pick on Henry Ruggs III, it was fascinating to see the Raiders use their first pick in the third round on Kentucky’s Lynn Bowden Jr., one of the most versatile offensive weapons in the class.

Bowden is tremendous in space and is an elusive playmaker with the ball in his hands.

I think the Raiders will find ways to get the ball into his hands weekly. Although putting the ball in Bowden’s hands takes it out of Josh Jacobs’ hands, the Raiders can’t give every carry to Jacobs.

When Jacobs has to come off the field, I think the Raiders will have a package of plays where Bowden is the ball carrier for drives, and they may also have plays designed where he is the quarterback or maybe lined up in the slot.

One way or another, I think Gruden and Mayock used their top pick in round three on Bowden because they believe he can be a high-impact player per touch. He may not get 200 touches in 2020, but I think Bowden is going to get a package every week of maybe 5-10 plays.