When the Las Vegas Raiders drafted TE Brock Bowers out of Georgia, they envisioned the next Rob Gronkowski with his physical style of play and outstanding playmaking ability that he displayed at the position in college. It was enough to warrant them taking him at No. 13 overall in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, so expectations are always going to be through the roof when picked that high.
Through two games in the NFL, Bowers has been delivering everything that the Raiders could have hoped for and more of a rookie in this league. He is leading ALL tight ends in targets, catches, and receiving yards so far, establishing himself very quickly as a playmaker that can get open for his quarterback. Mind you, it isn’t like he has Tom Brady throwing him the ball, like Gronkowski had during his time dominating the league.
Bowers has 15 catches for 156 yards on 17 targets in two games, which is outstanding for anyone but especially a rookie. He has yet to haul in a touchdown in the NFL, but with all of these targets, that is going to come sooner rather than later. He trails only WR Davante Adams in yards on the team, who has 169.
I think I can say with confidence that Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce and San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle are the two guys that most would think of as the best at their position in the league right now. Both have been excellent throughout their careers, no matter who has been throwing them the ball. Kelce has certainly benefited from having Patrick Mahomes since 2019 at QB, but he was already established as an elite player when Alex Smith was the signal-caller.
Kittle has had to deal with Jimmy Garropolo throwing him the ball, but much to his credit, that is who he rose to prominence with. He now has Brock Purdy, who has proven himself as a late-round gem.
Kelce is 34 years old and entering the twilight of his career, while Kittle has reached the age of 30 this past year. While both guys are still playing very well, all eyes will soon be on the next generation at the position, and Bowers will certainly be on the top of that list.
There has been a lot of talk that he is already the best tight end in the NFL. I am not willing to anoint him as the best in the league at his position after two games, as I feel that would be silly. He has been great, there is no doubt, but I will have to see it for multiple seasons before I label him as such.
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