Raiders News: Brock Bowers Breaks NFL Record For Receptions By Rookie Tight End

It seems like every week Las Vegas Raiders rookie tight end Brock Bowers is changing the NFL record books in some way. That was once again the case this past Sunday in the Raiders’ Week 14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

It actually was an average game by Bowers’ standards. The Bucs defense focused heavily on limiting Bowers as he was targeted just five times, his fewest since Week 8 and caught just three passes, his fewest since Week 4. But even with that, Bowers still put himself atop the NFL record books.

Those three catches moved Bowers to 87 on the season, setting a new NFL rookie record for receptions by a tight end, surpassing the record set last year by Detroit Lions rookie Sam LaPorta, via Raiders PR:

TE Brock Bowers has now passed Sam LaPorta (86) for the most receptions in a single season by a rookie tight end.

— Raiders PR (@RAIDERS_PR) December 8, 2024

While it is difficult to focus on Bowers as the losses for the Raiders stack up, what he is doing this season should not go unappreciated as he is quickly establishing himself as not only one of the best tight ends in the NFL, but one of the best receiving options in the league period.

Bowers currently leads the NFL in receptions, and his 933 receiving yards rank fourth in the league despite underwhelming performances at quarterback and a lackluster run game, not to mention trading away Davante Adams and injuries to Jakobi Meyers taking away veteran options who could divert attention away from him for much of the year.

With four games remaining, Bowers could potentially break the NFL rookie record for receptions which was also set last year by Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua. He needs just 19 more catches to set a new record and in this season that has gone wrong in so many ways, Bowers is showing that this team has an absolute foundational piece on offense.

Could Raiders target Chris Godwin in free agency?

With their playoff hopes gone, much of the focus for the Raiders has moved towards the offseason and while quarterback is the obvious need, the Raiders could also use some help at receiver to give their quarterback another weapon that isn’t Brock Bowers.

One intriguing target could be Bucs veteran receiver Chris Godwin who will be a free agent this offseason. Godwin did suffer a season-ending ankle injury, but was having an excellent year before then. One NFL insider feels he could be an ideal addition and help replace the loss of Davante Adams, giving whoever is at quarterback a reliable, veteran option.