Raiders drafted Brock Bowers … because of a coin flip?

That’s what Terrion Arnold said he was told by Las Vegas coach

The Las Vegas Raiders did extensive work on Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold during the lead up to last month’s draft.

He was considered to be a serious option for the franchise with the 13th pick. in the end, though, the Raiders made the surprising choice of Georgia tight end Brock Bowers.

So, why, did the Raiders end up taking Bowers over Arnold? Well, if you listen to Arnold, it was based all on luck.

Yes, luck.

Arnold, who was selected at No. 24 by the Detroit Lions, said on The Next Round podcast that a Raiders’ coach later called him and said they selected Bowers over Arnold because of a coin toss and it landed on Bowers.

Could that possibly be the reason?

I’ve heard a lot of draft-room stories, but I’m not sure I’ve ever heard a coin toss being the deciding factor on making a pick, especially with a high first-round choice.

Arnold has a reputation as a high-character person, so I’m not doubting his account. If I had to guess, I think he, indeed, did hear the coin-flip story from a Raiders’ coach. But it was likely more of a figurative explanation rather than a literal one.

I’m sure Las Vegas had Bowers and Arnold ranked closely. But if it was absolutely even, I’d think the decision would be based on need and the Raiders had a bigger need at cornerback than at tight end.

Raider’s general manager Tom Telesco said after the draft that Bowers was basically an unanimous choice. That doesn’t sound like a decision that required a coin flip.