The Associated Press announced that Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers was named a finalist for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Bowers was one of five finalists named along with Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders, Bo Nix of the Denver Broncos, Malik Nabers of the New York Giants and Brian Thomas Jr. of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Bowers had an absolutely historic season in his first year with the Raiders. His 112 receptions set an NFL rookie record and a broke the single-season franchise record which Darren Waller previously held. Additionally, his 1,194 yards broke Mike Ditka’s rookie record for tight ends and the Raiders’ rookie record period, which receiver Amari Cooper set.
It was a surprise that Bowers fell to the Raiders in the 2024 NFL Draft as he was expected to be a top-10 pick and maybe even go in the top-5. He showed why he was viewed as a generational talent, as he had been dominant from the beginning of the season despite the Raiders’ issues at quarterback. He was the team’s lone consistent offensive weapon and looks to be a pillar of this team for years to come.
If he were to win this award, he would be the first tight end to do so since the AP began giving out this award in 1967. Even though he was named a First Team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler in his rookie season, the odds are against him as Daniels is the overwhelming favorite to take home the award. Even Bowers’ historical season likely won’t be enough as Daniels completely transformed the Commanders and now has them on the brink of a Super Bowl appearance.
The winner will be announced during NFL Honors on Thursday, February 6, in New Orleans. NFL Honors will be broadcast on FOX and NFL Network and streamed on NFL+.
Raiders to hire Bucs assistant GM John Spytek as new general manager
Brock Bowers is a known commodity going forward for the Raiders, but the franchise entered this offseason with some significant holes that needed to be filled, and now one of them has been.
The team is finalizing a deal with Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant GM John Spytek to become the franchise’s new general manager. Spytek has spent the last nine seasons with the Bucs and has a previous relationship with Raiders minority owner Tom Brady, whom he also played for at the University of Michigan.
