Brock Bowers expected to surpass all tight ends in 2025

Brock Bowers put himself on the map with a rookie season for the ages in 2025.

The 13th overall pick in 2024, the Raiders tight end more than lived up to his first-round pedigree. As a rookie, he lead all tight ends in receptions and receiving yards, despite the Raiders finishing 31st in Pro Football Focus’ passing grade. Bowers was able to succeed despite the imperfections of the team, indicating that he has yet to reach his ceiling.

According to PFF, they agree that Bowers has another gear that he can find this upcoming season.

Bowers has a chance to become the undisputed best tight end in the league.

While PFF grades focus on blocking grades as well as receiving, PFF’s Dalton Wasserman is convinced that Bowers can take the next step.

“It might seem unusual to include the league leader in receptions and yards among tight ends on a list of breakout candidates, but Brock Bowers still has room to grow,” wrote Wasserman. “He finished third behind George Kittle and Trey McBride in both overall grade and receiving grade last season. Of course, Kittle and McBride are more complete blockers and play very different roles in their respective offenses.”

“For Bowers to be considered the best tight end in the NFL, he’ll need to clearly establish himself as the top receiving option at the position, much like Travis Kelce did for years in Kansas City. He has a real opportunity to do that in 2025, with a significantly improved Raiders offense. Bowers set records last season despite the team ranking 31st in passing grade. With Geno Smith, who ranked eighth in passing grade last year, now under center, Las Vegas should feature a more balanced, efficient attack that allows Bowers to take another leap forward.”

The major aspect that has changed with the Raiders between Bowers’s rookie season and now has been the improvements on offense that the team has made.

Trading for Geno Smith gives the Raiders stable quarterback play, something that was lacking last season. The addition of sixth overall pick Ashton Jeanty and second-round receiver Jack Bech also help raise the ceiling for Bowers, taking the pressure off of him to produce in various ways. Allowing Bowers to perform in a more balanced attack as the focal point of the offense should open up opportunities, largely by keeping opposing defenses from focusing solely on him.

After the rookie season for the ages that Bowers had, the fact that he may have only scratched the surface of his potential is terrifying.