Lynn Bowden Jr. isn't scared. Soon after being selected by the Raiders in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the do-it-all offensive weapon called out First-Team All-Pro Tyrann Mathieu.
"Tyrann Mathieu because he's already got the name Honey Badger," Bowden said in a Bleacher Report AMA when asked whose ankles he wants to break. "Got to prove myself."
It's safe to say the Kansas City Chiefs star safety isn't too worried about Bowden's words.
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Bowden was one of the most elusive and versatile college football players in recent years. Over his three years at Kentucky, Bowden totaled 1,530 rushing yards, 1,303 receiving yards, 495 passing yards and 24 touchdowns.
General manager Mike Mayock said Bowden will transition to running back for the Raiders, but won't be tied down to one position. The Silver and Black want to maximize him as a diverse playmaker.
“I’m not set on one position. I just want to win games and championships,” Bowden said to reporters after being drafted. “I’ll go wherever Coach Gruden wants me to go. He said he wants to do a lot of things with me and I’m ready to get on board.”
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Mathieu also is one of the most versatile players in football, but on the other side of the ball. While he's listed as a safety, he can line up in the slot, as an outside corner and even rush the passer off the edge.
During his second All-Pro campaign last season, Mathieu recorded 75 tackles, four interceptions, two sacks and 12 passes defensed. Avoiding his grasp in the open field won't be easy, but Bowden seems up to the challenge.
He'll have two chances to do so against the Raiders' rivals as a rookie, too.
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