Just one season into his NFL career, Brock Bowers has done what no rookie before him ever has—claimed the top spot in ESPN’s annual positional rankings. The Las Vegas Raiders tight end, fresh off a record-shattering rookie year, now sits atop a list once ruled by household names like Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Rob Gronkowski. In 2025, it’s Bowers who headlines a new generation.
Bowers earned more than 50% of first-place votes in Jeremy Fowler’s poll, narrowly edging out Kittle, and becoming the first player in the poll’s history to be named No. 1 at his position after just one NFL season. That distinction alone speaks volumes, but the numbers underline the historic nature of his debut.
Brock Bowers Balled Out For Las Vegas Raiders, The League Took Notice
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The 13th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Bowers broke the record for most receptions by a rookie—at any position—with 112, while also setting rookie tight end records for receiving yards (1,194) and becoming the single-season receptions leader in Raiders franchise history. He accomplished all this despite inconsistent quarterback play and limited supporting firepower around him.
“He sort of just floats out there. Game comes naturally to him,” one NFL coordinator told Fowler. An NFC executive added: “Great person, hard worker, instinctive, great hands, matchup problem due to his speed and athleticism with elite [run after catch] ability.”
That skillset was enough to not just elevate a struggling Raiders offense—but to reframe the entire tight end landscape. With Kelce aging and Kittle turning 32 this season, the league is witnessing a generational turnover at the position. Bowers leads the way, flanked by young stars like Sam LaPorta and Trey McBride, both also ranked in the top four.
Now entering Year 2, Bowers is surrounded by more stability. With veteran quarterback Geno Smith under center and new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly drawing up plays, expectations are high for Bowers to improve on an already outrageous debut. And if he continues on this trajectory, conversations about his legacy won’t be premature—they’ll be necessary.
If greatness is about consistency, longevity, and dominance, Brock Bowers is one season in—and already checking every box. The Raiders may still be rebuilding, but at tight end, they’ve already found the cornerstone.