Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, who finished second in the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award voting after being selected 13th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, is focused on improving team results in his sophomore season. Speaking after a recent training camp practice, Bowers outlined his objective to help the Raiders win more games and make a playoff run, signaling his determination to build on an impressive debut year.
Impressive rookie stats highlight Bowers’ impact despite Raiders’ struggles
Bowers showcased outstanding production in his first NFL season, ranking third in the league with 112 receptions, sixth with 153 targets, and tied for eighth with 1,194 receiving yards. Over the course of 17 games, he scored five touchdowns, catching the eyes of fans and analysts alike. However, even with Bowers’ contributions, the Raiders faced a challenging season, enduring a 10-game losing streak and finishing with a 4-13 record after a promising 2-2 start.
New coaching staff and offseason moves fuel hope for better results
The Raiders entered the offseason with renewed optimism, hiring Pete Carroll as their head coach. Carroll’s staff includes offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, known for innovative play-calling, which could broaden Bowers’ role in the offense. Additionally, the team acquired quarterback Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks and used their sixth overall draft pick on running back Ashton Jeanty, signaling a commitment to strengthen the roster and improve chemistry heading into the 2024 campaign.
Bowers embraces versatile role in revamped Raiders offense
Bowers appreciates the offensive flexibility he now has under Kelly’s system.
“I like that the Raiders can move me wherever they want,”
Bowers noted. Kelly, reflecting on Bowers’ diverse skill set, praised his ability to excel at multiple types of routes.
“You obviously know he can go deep, he can catch shallow routes,” Kelly said about Bowers. “I learned over the summer time, he can hit grand slams. So you learn more about the player every single time you’re around him. So if for some reason it turns into a home run derby, and we’re playing anybody in the NFL, I’ll take Brock.”
This confidence from his offensive coordinator highlights Bowers’ potential to be a dynamic threat in various situations, with the ability to impact the game both downfield and on shorter catches.
Bowers reflects on rookie year challenges and sets sights on improvement
Looking back on his first NFL season, Bowers described the experience as both fast-moving and demanding. He acknowledged the toughness of the middle portion of the year while remaining focused on the future.
“Looking back on it, I was like, ‘I can’t believe that was really my first year in the NFL,'” Bowers explained. “It kind of just flew by, but I’m pretty focused on next year and seeing if we can have a better team this year. I just want to win more games this year. …It definitely was a little tough, especially that middle part of the year. It was definitely a grind. I know it happens. It happened to me in high school. It was tough, though, for sure.”
Bowers’ comments underscore his maturity and determination to not only grow as a player but also contribute to team success.
Playoff aspirations set the tone as Raiders prepare for season opener
As the Raiders gear up to open the 2024 season against the New England Patriots on September 7, expectations are cautiously optimistic. DraftKings Sportsbook currently lists Las Vegas with +330 odds to qualify for the playoffs. With a revamped coaching staff, key additions on offense, and breakout star Brock Bowers leading the charge at tight end, the Raiders aim to reverse their fortunes and make a strong push toward postseason contention.