There hasn't been a lot to be positive about when it comes to the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024, but one of the few bright spots has been first-round pick and tight end Brock Bowers, who has been as advertised.
Not only has Bowers been the best rookie tight end in the sport, he's been arguably the best tight end in the entire league, regardless of experience. Entering Week 17, Bowers has 101 receptions for 1,067 receiving yards and four scores.
The receptions and yardage marks are tops at his position, and he ranks ninth in the entire league in receiving yards and tied for third in receptions. Just imagine if Bowers had competent quarterback play all season.
Bowers has already broken one major rookie record, surpassing the all-time mark for most receptions by a rookie tight end. But the Georgia product is on the verge of breaking more significant records with two games left to play.
NFL record for receiving yards by rookie tight end
Bowers moved into second place on the all-time list for receiving yards by a rookie tight end last week, jumping Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts.
Now, Bowers needs just 10 more receiving yards to pass Chicago Bears legend Mike Ditka, whose record has stood since 1961.
| Rank | Player | Yards |
| 1 | Mike Ditka, Bears (1961) | 1,076 |
| 2 | Brock Bowers, Raiders (2024) | 1,067 |
NFL record for receptions by a rookie
On top of being able to pass Ditka, Bowers can also set the a NFL record for most receptions by a rookie, regardless of position. The current record is held by Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, who tallied 105 in 2023.
Bowers needs just five more to pass Nacua.
| Rank | Player | Receptions |
| 1 | Puka Nacua, Rams (2023) | 105 |
| 2 | Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins (2021) | 104 |
| 3 | Brock Bowers, Raiders (2024) | 101 |
| 3 | Anquan Boldin, Cardinals (2003) | 101 |
Bowers draws a great matchup against a New Orleans Saints defense that is bottom five against the pass this season, so it's very conceivable he breaks both marks this week.
Assuming he breaks the all-time rookie tight end receiving yards mark, Bowers is going to have it a long time. After all, Ditka has held the record for more than 60 years.
And, if Bowers can finish the season strong and pile up more receptions, he might hold the all-time rookie receptions record for a while, too.
