Experts know that with Tom Brady steering the decisions at the Las Vegas Raiders franchise, it could lead to a powerhouse team, well-constructed and capable of defining an era, though the building process may take a few years.
Without a doubt, Brock Bowers is a player who could change the course of the franchise as a tight end, despite his selection at No. 13 in the 2024 NFL Draft drawing criticism.
Watch out for Brock Bowers in the upcoming season
The former Georgia star, now with the Raiders, broke numerous franchise records as a rookie with 112 receptions for 1,194 yards last season, along with five touchdowns. Expectations are even higher now with the arrival of a more capable quarterback in Geno Smith.
The 2025 season looks highly promising for the young player, who appears destined to replace Travis Kelce as the league’s premier tight end. Bowers is considered among the top 10 tight ends in the NFL, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
Not only that, he made history as the first player to be ranked No. 1 at his position after his rookie year in this top 10 poll.
“Bowers makes history in our Top 10 poll-he’s the first player to rank No. 1 at his position after his rookie year,” Fowler wrote. “Bowers, however, narrowly outdistanced Kittle in the polls after earning more than 50% of the first-place votes.”
Beyond overshadowing Travis Kelce, he also surpassed George Kittle, relegating him to second place-players who have alternated between first and second All-Pro honors over the past eight years. The league’s perception is that Bowers has eclipsed them both.
“Great person, hard worker, instinctive, great hands, matchup problem due to his speed and athleticism with elite [run-after-catch] ability,” an NFC executive said.
On the other hand, team executives regret passing on the chance to draft him in the NFL Draft, now grappling with how to stop him.
“He sort of just floats around out there. Game comes naturally to him,” another NFL coordinator added.
Brock Bowers, with Tom Brady’s Raiders, will make his 2025 season debut when they visit the New England Patriots in Week 1, a game where he aims to make an immediate impact.
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