Brock Bowers is in Year 2 with the Las Vegas Raiders, but in his short time in the NFL, he’s established himself as one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the league. Moreover, the Raiders star received high praise from an NFL great who starred at the position, too.
Last season, Bowers recorded 112 receptions while registering 1,194 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 17 games. Moreover, to start the 2025 NFL season, the 22-year-old had five receptions and 103 receiving yards in the Week 1 win over the New England Patriots.
Before the Raiders take on the Los Angeles Chargers, former NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski had high praise for Bowers.
“Brock Bowers is a superior talent,” Gronkowski said on September 15 (h/t Dominic Lavoie of Las Vegas Review-Journal). “I love what he’s doing at the tight end position. Just last year alone, over 100 catches, over a thousand yards. He had over a thousand yards in just the way that he produced with three different quarterbacks.”
What Does Rob Gronkowski Like About Brock Bowers?
As Gronkowski stated, it doesn’t matter who is under center for the Raiders; Bowers has produced. Moreover, the former Patriot stated the characteristics that stand out to him when he watches the Las Vegas star on the field.
“He’s a talent,” Gronkowski added. “He’s an unbelievable talent. He has a knack for the game of football. He’s not just a tight end. He’s a football player. He knows how to get open, especially versus man coverage. Love what he’s doing, just overall. He’s going to be solid for a long, long time.”
With Geno Smith bringing consistency to the quarterback position in Las Vegas, Bowers can begin developing a connection with the veteran signal caller. If Week 1 is any indicator, Smith will lean on Bowers as a security blanket this season.
Raiders Star Earns Opponents’ Respect
With the Chargers and Raiders in the AFC West, Derwin James Jr., who is under contract through the 2026 season, will be facing Bowers multiple times, and he recently stated that he’s excited to face the young standout.
“Man, one of the best tight ends in the league,” James told reporters on September 12 (h/t Fernando Ramirez of The Sporting Tribune). “Probably the best tight end in this league now, I could say that—one of the best. Fast, can run all the routes, man—great young player.
“I can’t wait for that matchup. I look forward to it, man. Like I said, he’s a great young player. Seeing him at the Pro Bowl—he was on the AFC team—but man, I’m excited to go against him. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
The Chargers and Raiders will face off on Monday Night Football, and Bowers was questionable leading up to the contest. Bowers suffered a knee injury after a strong performance against New England, but rather than letting him rest, the Raiders star will be playing.
Lavoie reported right before game time that Bowers is active, which shows what type of player the Silver and Black have, as he’s not willing to miss a game despite the limited practice leading into this game.
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