Brock Bowers vs. Brian Thomas Jr.
Statistically speaking, these are the two best rookie pass catchers in the league.
Both Brock Bowers and Brian Thomas Jr. have managed to become their team’s top options in the air, breaking records in the process. The Raiders’ 2024 first-rounder holds the franchise record for most catches in a season by a rookie as well as the NFL record for most receptions in a single season by a rookie tight end.
While Bowers has been limited to six catches for 84 yards in his last two games, he’s 109 receiving yards away breaking the NFL record for most receiving yards by a rookie tight end. Additionally, he’s generated +103 yards after the catch over expected this season, the third-most among all tight ends this season and over three times as many as all other rookie tight ends combined (32), according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
As for the Jaguars, the former LSU wideout has undoubtedly been their top deep threat. Thomas Jr. has recorded five receptions at over 20 miles per hour on his routes this season, and his eight receiving touchdowns are the most of any rookie in Jaguars history.
Bowers and Thomas Jr. are also neck and neck for most receiving yards by a rookie this season, with Bowers sitting at 968 and Thomas Jr. a mere 12 yards behind him. The two will not only be competing to win Sunday’s game, but for a bit of rookie supremacy as well.