Brock Bowers was the player who stood out the most in the otherwise disappointing 2024 season for the Las Vegas Raiders. The rookie tight end was taken with the 13th overall pick last offseason. Even though he came into the year with already high expectations, Bowers managed to surpass them all.
Now playing in an offense with some added weapons, Bowers should have all the tools he needs to have a successful 2025 season. This season could be so great that he might even walk away with the Offensive Player of the Year award. Here’s how Bowers could make that happen.
Improved Quarterback Play
One major aspect that should help Bowers improve is the addition of Geno Smith. Frankly, it’s extremely impressive what Bowers was able to accomplish in his rookie year, considering the terrible quarterbacking the Raiders offense had in 2024.
The Seahawks lacked significant talent at tight end last year. However, Smith did make things work a bit with his guys Noah Fant and A.J. Barner. Fant had 500 receiving yards on 48 receptions and scored once. Barner caught 30 passes for 245 yards but scored four times. Smith has shown an ability to make things work with tight ends far less impressive than Bowers, so there’s reason to be excited there.
The Play Calling…
Last year, the play-calling was about as awful as it could have been for the Raiders. Luke Getsy had the offense sputtering, and even when he was fired, things didn’t improve much. The play-calling should be much better with Chip Kelly in 2025.
At Ohio State in 2024, Chip Kelly didn’t have his tight ends do too much. However, part of the reason for that could be due to the sheer talent the Buckeyes had at receiver. Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka were a terrific duo and naturally got most of the looks from Will Howard.
Still, Kelly’s shown an ability to get receivers open throughout his career as an offensive coordinator. With Bowers being so agile, he should be included in some fun concepts this year.
Does Brock Bowers have a chance?
The sportsbooks aren’t showing much interest in Bowers. DraftKings gives him +6000 odds, putting him along the lines of his teammate Ashton Jeanty and Jaxson Smith-Njigba.
Those aren’t great chances, but we should keep in mind the fact that Brock Bowers surpassed any and all expectations in his rookie year. He’s now had another offseason to learn and grow. In 2025, he’ll be on an offense that should have a much better scheme, and he’ll have a quarterback who can get him the ball in ways that just weren’t possible for the Raiders in 2024. He’s not a favorite, but there is a pathway for Bowers to force himself into the conversation.