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Last season, Brock Bowers joined the Las Vegas Raiders program and was expected to become an immediate impact player as the team’s first-round pick.
After all, that’s exactly what every NFL team has in mind when calling up their first player on draft night.
So when considering the Raiders’ expectations for running back Ashton Jeanty this season, Bowers is the right fit to carry that load while acclimating to the NFL at the same time.
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Ashton Jeanty of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up before a game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Chris Unger/Getty Images)
Jeanty, the Boise State product who was a Heisman Trophy finalist last season, didn’t immediately turn on the scoring in his first games with the Raiders, who took him sixth overall in April. But every NFL player knows that it won’t always go the way you want, especially in your rookie season.
Bowers spoke with PK Press Club Digital about some of the advice he gave Jeanty – from first round to first round.
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“Just do your thing,” Bowers said, while also emphasizing his time at USAA and the importance of driving safely in Las Vegas on Tuesday. “I mean, you’ve been playing football since you were little. It’s still just football at the end of the day. You’re always passing the baton and running. You just have to do what you do every day. It’s not too different.”
Jeanty’s NFL debut saw only 38 yards on 19 carries, although he did score a touchdown in a victory against the New England Patriots. He averaged just over three yards per carry in his first three games, and discussions about whether or not he was ready for the NFL began to heat up.
But Bowers saw what Jeanty did every week in practice and remembered why he was rooting for him to win the Heisman last season — he’s a player who wants to put his shoulder down and help his team fight for yards.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) catches the ball for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium on September 28, 2025. (Stephen R. Sylvanie/Imagn Images)
“He definitely has that chip on his shoulder and wants to hit guys, wants to mess with people,” Bowers said. “It’s cool to see. It sucks to stand on the sidelines, but it’s cool to watch it.”
Bowers has been sidelined with a knee injury, but he has watched Jeanty play ball in recent weeks, starting with a Week 4 performance of 138 yards on 21 carries, including a rushing touchdown. He followed that up with 67 yards on 14 touches in the backfield with five catches for 42 yards as well.
And last week, as the Raiders got back into the win column, Jeanty totaled 75 yards on 23 carries with his third rushing score of the season, all while lowering his shoulder and mowing down defenders in an attempt to rack up extra yards.
It may have been a slow process, but Jeanty was establishing himself as one of the Raiders’ best players and the rest of the NFL believed he could be.
“He’s been out there the last few weeks, breaking tackles, going through guys and making people miss. It’s really cool to see,” Bowers added.
Las Vegas Raiders rookie Ashton Jeanty has impressed teammate Brock Bowers through the first six games of the season. (GETTY)
Jeanty still has miles to go before reaching that elite status for his position, but the signs are there in recent games. Bowers and the Raiders hope he continues to build on the momentum he’s gained from his recent performances.
SAFETY FIRST
Bowers has been sidelined due to his injury, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have time to make a big move with USAA.
He joined forces with the official “Salute to Service” partner of the Raiders and the NFL to highlight the importance of protecting the community through safe driving. He gave a brief speech expressing the importance of safe driving, while participating in USAA’s Auto Simulator experience, which guides the user through a series of driving distractions to see who can drive most safely.
Members of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police also came to attend the event.
Brock Bowers poses with members of the Las Vegas Police Department (USAA)
“I’m pretty sure everyone has a story about being, directly or indirectly, affected by some accident. I think everyone has a story based on that, so I think it’s important to raise awareness.
“I think one of the main things is you’re not just affecting yourself. It’s not just you on the road. There might be a family next to you – you never know who else is behind the wheel.”
