I make it my business to limit how often I disagree with my colleagues here at RotoViz. These guys are some smart cookies, especially in their player breakdowns. But on at least one player, the great Kevin Szafraniec and I see things slightly differently. That player is rookie tight end Brock Bowers. Writing last month, Kevin opined:
Even as part of a lackluster Raiders offense, there are enough positive signs coming out of Las Vegas to believe that it will be hard to hold back a true generational talent like Bowers, even in his rookie season.
Kevin makes an excellent case for a Year 1 breakout from Bowers, and in large part I agree with his overall assessment. But there are significant risks that we have to account for when we’re talking about a rookie TE being drafted in the top-100 picks in best ball drafts. Does his risk-adjusted upside justify his cost in 2024? I’m skeptical.
Bowers’ Production Profile
One of the best TE prospects in recent years, Bowers was considered the TE1 of this year’s class pretty much as soon as he burst onto the scene at Georgia. His three years with the Bulldogs saw him put up outstanding receiving stats. Film grinders and spreadsheet lovers alike were more or less united in thinking he would be a versatile weapon on whatever NFL offense he happened to land on. That offense would be the Las Vegas Raiders, who took Bowers with the 13th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Bowers enjoyed a decorated and productive career as a member of the Georgia Bulldogs. He played three seasons, during which he played 35 games. In those games, Bowers amassed 175 receptions for 2,538 yards with 26 touchdowns. His production stacks up quite favorably with some notable TEs of the last decade or more.
Bowers led Georgia in receiving in all three of his collegiate seasons. He earned First Team All-American honors in each of those campaigns. Bowers is also the only two-time winner of the John Mackey Award, given to the best TE in college football. Other recent winners include Trey McBride, Kyle Pitts, and T.J. Hockenson.
