Selected 13th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in last year’s NFL draft, Brock Bowers quickly proved his value despite joining a struggling team. This draft position was among the highest for a tight end since 2000, and Bowers delivered an outstanding rookie season in 2024. Despite catching passes from three different quarterbacks who were inconsistent at best, Bowers set rookie tight end records with 112 receptions and 1,194 receiving yards, showcasing his exceptional talent and versatility.
Learning from Established Tight End Legends
In a recent interview on the podcast Bussin’ With The Boys, hosted by Will Compton and Taylor Lewan during Tight End Week, Bowers shared insights into the players he admired growing up. He highlighted some of the greatest tight ends of his era, including George Kittle, Travis Kelce, and Rob Gronkowski, explaining how their skills influenced his own development. Bowers reflected on watching Gronkowski in his youth and expressed excitement about now competing alongside Kittle and Kelce in the NFL.
“In high school, [I was] watching [George] Kittle and [Travis] Kelce, they’ve been around a while. It’s pretty cool to get to know them and kinda be a part of this now. But growing up, when I was little, I loved watching [Rob] Gronk[owski]. I remember watching him on TV. It was awesome,”
— Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders Tight End
Incorporating the Best Attributes from Top Players
Bowers is studying these veteran players not just for inspiration but to actively integrate their strengths into his own style. At 6 feet 4 inches tall and 230 pounds, combined with a 4.5-second 40-yard dash, Bowers possesses the physical tools to excel. What he focuses on is refining specific skills like blocking, route-running, and yards after catch to become a more complete tight end.
“Kittle, he’s nasty when he’s blocking, and he’s a really good blocker, I think. And just effort-wise, too downfield. He’s awesome to watch play. And then Kelce, just getting open, filling voids. He does such a good job of that, like filling open space and getting open. And then Gronk, I mean, running after the catch, it’s pretty fun to watch him.”
— Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders Tight End
Brock Bowers’ Potential as the Next Elite Tight End
Already recognized as a First-Team All-Pro in his rookie year—an exclusive achievement shared by only four tight ends in NFL history—Bowers stands at the threshold of becoming the top player at his position. By combining Kittle’s relentless blocking effort, Kelce’s mastery of spatial awareness and route precision, and Gronkowski’s powerful ability to gain yards after the catch, Bowers is crafting a unique, dominant skill set.
With Geno Smith now providing more consistent quarterback play for the Raiders, Bowers is poised for significant growth in the coming seasons. His adaptation of Travis Kelce’s knack for finding open space and creating separation could especially elevate his performance and influence on the field.
The Future of the Tight End Position in Las Vegas
Brock Bowers’ rapid rise reflects a broader transition in the tight end landscape, as veteran players like Travis Kelce and George Kittle approach the latter stages of their careers, and Gronkowski remains retired. Bowers’ development signals a potential changing of the guard, where his blend of skills and football intelligence may become the new benchmark for the position. Given his current trajectory and the mentorship he draws from established stars, the NFL should anticipate a new era led by Bowers, marked by elite catching and space awareness reminiscent of Kelce’s game.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Are Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift still a couple?
A. The well-known couple has been solid since they started dating. The singer of “Cruel Summer” has attended many Chiefs games. Meanwhile, the athlete has shown support for his girlfriend by going to multiple Eras Tour events.
Q. How long was Travis Kelce with his ex-girlfriend?
A. Here’s what you should know about Kayla Nicole, who was once in a relationship with Travis Kelce. The NFL player and Kayla were together for five years until they split in 2022.
Q. Are Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce still together? Yes, the couple has been going strong since mid-2023 and regularly appear at each other’s events. How did Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift meet? Their connection began when Kelce attended her Eras Tour show in Kansas City and later shared the story on his podcast.
A. Are Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce still dating?
Q. How long was Travis Kelce with his ex?
A. Here’s a summary of Kayla Nicole, Travis Kelce’s ex-girlfriend. The NFL player and she dated for five years before splitting in 2022. Before dating Taylor Swift, Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end, Travis Kelce, was involved with Kayla Nicole.