BrockBowers

News: 6 days agoBowers caught all seven of his targets for 77 yards in Sunday's 25-10 win over the Saints.

Spin: In the process, Bowers set three different records. His 108 catches on the season is a high-water mark for any Raider, breaking the record set by Darren Waller in 2020. Bowers also set an NFL rookie receptions mark, besting Puka Nacua's 105 catches from last year. Most impressively, Bowers' 1,144 receiving yards is the most in NFL history by a rookie tight end, breaking the record held by Mike Ditka since 1961. Bowers will have one more game to add to his historic totals, as he's set to take on the Chargers in Week 18.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: The top tight end prospect in this year's draft class, Bowers landed in a puzzling spot, selected 13th overall by the Raiders, who already had 2023 second-rounder Michael Mayer (plus Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers at wide receiver). Though a high-ankle sprain cost him four games of his final season at Georgia, Bowers posted stunning receiving numbers during a three-year career there: 175 receptions, 2,538 yards and 26 touchdowns, all easily FBS position bests, plus 8.9 yards after the catch per reception. He should immediately grab a prominent role in the Raiders' offense, though Mayer's presence could cut into his snaps, especially if Bowers struggles to adapt to the blocking chores of the position initially. Nevertheless, he has legitimate TE1 upside.