It’s been a tough season for the Las Vegas Raiders, with a 3-12 record on the season. But first-round rookie tight end Brock Bowers has been a rare beacon of hope. The Georgia alumnus has not just lived up to his lofty draft expectations, but he has smashed through them. And now, he’s about to smash some records this weekend.
Brock Bowers Is Set To Smash Records in Week 17
In a season where quarterback struggles have dominated headlines, Bowers has emerged as one of the best tight ends in the NFL. The rookie leads his position with 101 receptions and 1,067 receiving yards heading into Week 17. And with two games left, the Raiders sensation is on the verge of breaking two major NFL records, including a milestone that has stood untouched for over six decades.
Bowers has already rewritten history, surpassing the all-time record for most receptions by a rookie TE. But he’s far from finished.
Entering the Raiders’ matchup against the New Orleans Saints, Bowers is just 10 yards shy of breaking Mike Ditka’s 1961 record for most receiving yards by a rookie tight end. Ditka’s legendary mark of 1,076 yards has endured for over 60 years, but Bowers is poised to take the crown, and looking at his resolve, it doesn’t appear to be a far-fetched record at the moment.
Will Brock Bowers set new rookie receiving records in Week 17? 👀 pic.twitter.com/OTE475Pz3C
— ESPN BET (@ESPNBET) December 29, 2024
The rookie tight end is also closing in on another massive milestone: the NFL record for most receptions by a rookie, regardless of position.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua holds the record with 105 catches in 2023. Bowers needs just five receptions to top that.
Bowers reflected on his record-breaking night after catching his 10th pass of the game in the fourth quarter.
“I couldn’t do it without all the other guys,” Bowers told Levi Edwards via the Raiders’ official website. “Aidan was slinging that thing and everyone was making plays so it felt good. … Just coming here and [winning], the vibes are just way better.”
Bowers also became the third rookie TE in the NFL to record 1,000 receiving yards. He accomplished the feat during Las Vegas’ 19-14 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16.
With the Saints’ defense ranking in the bottom five against the pass, the odds are in Bowers’ favor to shatter both records in Week 17. If he does, these marks could stand for years, much like the records of the legends before him.