Former NFL player and current Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce can’t think of another tight end like Brock Bowers, who is playing like anything but a rookie. Bowers, taken 13th in this year’s draft out of Georgia, is putting up impressive stats despite opposing defenses sending double teams and their top cornerbacks at him.
Pierce praised Bowers’ combination of size, athleticism, strength, and dependable hands, saying he’s incomparable. Bowers is producing even though defenses are trying to shut him down, and Pierce noted that he’s winning matchups and punishing defenders after the catch.
Bowers is leading all NFL receivers with 84 receptions, on the verge of setting the rookie tight end single-season catches record, and closing in on becoming the third rookie tight end to reach 1,000 yards. He’s also had three games with at least 10 receptions, a feat only achieved by a few rookies.
Former Pro Football Hall of Fame executive director Joe Horrigan compared Bowers’ season to that of Hall of Fame tight end Kellen Winslow, who was a dominant force in the passing game.
Bowers has five games left to put up numbers not seen from a rookie tight end, and could be in contention for AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. Veteran running back Ameer Abdullah praised Bowers’ speed, body control, and poise, saying he’s never seen a player like him.