In a season full of struggles for the Las Vegas Raiders, Brock Bowers has provided plenty of optimism for the autumns ahead.
Bowers' stellar start to his NFL career took a spot in the record books Sunday as he set a new record for receptions by a rookie tight end in the Raiders' Week 14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
On his third and final catch of the day in the fourth quarter of the 28-13 defeat, Bowers recorded the record-setting 87th of his season, surpassing the Detroit Lions' Sam LaPorta's mark of 86 set just a year ago. Bowers' three receptions netted Las Vegas 49 yards on the afternoon.
While attention and praise have rightfully been garnered by rookie quarterbacks Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix, Bowers, the No. 13 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, has clearly proved he deserves some consideration for AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Entering Week 14, Bowers wasn't only two receptions away from tying LaPorta's rookie mark, but he was also leading the NFL in catches. He has a very realistic chance to become the first rookie tight end to lead the NFL in receptions. No tight end -- regardless of experience -- has led the league in catches since Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez (102 receptions) in 2002 with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Also within range is potentially breaking Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua's rookie record for catches of 105, which was also just set last season.
Not just a reception maven, Bowers is on pace to become the third rookie TE to eclipse 1,000 yards, joining the Atlanta Falcons' Kyle Pitts (2021; 1,026) and Chicago Bears Hall of Famer Mike Ditka (1961; 1,076).
Las Vegas was the first AFC team eliminated from playoff contention, fired its offensive coordinator mid-season, had three quarterbacks play in at least three games and traded away its best wide receiver. Through it all, Bowers has provided phenomenal production during an outstanding debut campaign that's been overshadowed by the team's overall misfortune.
The autumn wind is a record-breaking Raider tight end, and he might blow past some other historical marks before his first season is through.
