In Week 17, Las Vegas Raiders stalwart rookie tight finish added to his sterling rookie season by surpassing Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua’s rookie file for receptions. Bowers’ seven catches put him at 108, transferring him forward of Nacua, who had 105 for the Rams only one season in the past.
However proper on Bowers’ heels was one other glorious rookie in New York Giants broad receiver Malik Nabers. The promising Giants star performed within the early slate of video games in Week 18 and his 5 catches put him at 109 on the 12 months, transferring him forward of Nacua and Bowers.
Within the first half of the Raiders’ ultimate recreation in opposition to the Los Angeles Chargers, Bowers had no catches, and it appeared as if there was an opportunity Nabers might maintain on to the brand new file. However that wouldn’t maintain as Bowers would reel in 4 receptions within the second half, giving him 112 on the season and re-taking the rookie receptions file from Nabers.
Bowers completed the season with 112 catches for 1,194 yards and 5 touchdowns, together with a number of information set in what was really an excellent first season with the Raiders.
Along with the rookie receptions file, with Bowers additionally changing into the primary rookie tight finish to succeed in 100 receptions in NFL historical past, Bowers additionally broke Mike Ditka’s file for receiving yards by a rookie tight finish. Moreover he grew to become the primary rookie tight finish, and third rookie ever, with three video games of at the very least 10 receptions and set a Raiders single-season file for receptions by any participant.
Coming into the draft, Bowers was seen as probably the greatest gamers at any place and a doubtlessly revolutionary participant on the tight finish place. He proved to be precisely that in his first 12 months with the Raiders and confirmed why many have been shocked he even lasted to that time within the draft, as most assumed he can be passed by then.
Whereas he gained’t win the award due to QB Jayden Daniels main the Washington Commanders to the playoffs, Bowers is greater than deserving of the Offensive Rookie of the Yr Award. As a substitute he’ll nonetheless have his information, a Professional Bowl choice, and in all probability a First Group All-Professional choice which is greater than sufficient.
Raiders Brock Bowers, Maxx Crosby named to AFC Professional Bowl roster
Ending his rookie season third in receptions amongst all gamers and eighth in receiving yards, Brock Bowers was a no brainer choice for the AFC Professional Bowl roster. And he gained’t be the Raiders’ solely consultant, as star defensive finish Maxx Crosby was named to the roster as effectively.
Linebacker Robert Spillane was additionally deserving and could also be named as a alternative, however the Colts’ Zaire Franklin and Ravens’ Roquan Smith bought the nod over him.
