The Raiders’ new superstar is being ignored in conversation for much acclaim

On By Littum

The Las Vegas Raiders don’t have much to hang their hat on amid a lost 2024 season, but first-round pick and tight end Brock Bowers has been one of the lone bright spots for head coach Antonio Pierce’s squad.

Bowers was widely considered a generational talent at the position coming out of college, and he has seen the role through nine games. The Georgia product is third among rookie pass catchers in receiving yards, and he ranks first among tight ends in the same category.

Making his showing more impressive is the fact that Bowers has had to overcome a terrible situation at quarterback. Gardner Minshew has been poor, plain and simple, and Aidan O’Connell hasn’t been given much of a chance after suffering an injury.

With what we’ve seen from Bowers this season, it’s impossible not to put his name in the Offensive Rookie of the Year conversation—that is, unless you’re Pro Football Network’s Adam H. Beasleywhich didn’t even have Bowers as an honorable mention in an article selecting midseason award winners.

Beasley understandably chooses Washington Commanders stud rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels for the award, but Bowers was snubbed in the honorable mentions section in favor of Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.

While Nix and Thomas Jr. having impressive rookie seasons, it’s way too early to put Maye in the conversation. On top of that, none of those three players are arguably the best at their position around the league as Bowers has been, which puts him a step above.

We get it, quarterbacks always get preference for big awards, and Daniels is clearly the favorite to win the OROY right now. But Bowers has done more than enough to join the conversation.

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