Although Nick Bowers didn’t hear his name called during this year’s NFL Draft, he’s already taken the first step toward beginning his professional career.

The former Penn State football tight end signed a contract with the Las Vegas Raiders shortly after the conclusion of this year’s draft.

Bowers served as one of the Nittany Lions’ go-to tight end targets alongside standout Pat Freiermuth. This past season, he appeared in all 13 of Penn State’s games and hauled in 10 passes for 214 yards and three touchdowns.

In his three-year tenure in Happy Valley, Bowers totaled 279 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 17 career receptions. He appeared in 26 career games and saw plenty of action on special teams.

This past fall, Bowers earned academic All-Big Ten honors and received the Tim Shaw Thrive Award, awarded annually to a student-athlete who’s overcome adversities and inspired teammates, at Penn State’s annual awards banquet.

Bowers is the lastest Nittany Lion to sign as an undrafted free agent. Earlier Saturday, offensive lineman Steven Gonzalez signed with the Arizona Cardinals, while standouts including Yetur Gross-Matos, KJ Hamler, and even Tommy Stevens heard their names called throughout this week’s draft.

About the Author

Matt DiSanto

Matt proudly served as Onward State’s managing editor for two years until graduating from Penn State in May 2022. Now, he’s off in the real world doing real things. Send him an email (mattdisanto86@gmail.com) or follow him on Twitter (@mattdisanto_) to stay in touch.

How Centre County Voted In The 2026 Midterm Elections

Centre County saw a 55.32% voter turnout rate in the general election.

Man Accused of Stealing Vehicle From State College Hotel & Driving Drunk

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 12.

‘Blood In The Water’: Penn State Football Cornerback Audavion Collins & Secondary Elevating Surrounding Units

“He does a good job of making everyone else around him better because he’s the hardest-working guy on the field at all times.”