For the second time today, Raiders tight end Brock Bowers has broken an NFL rookie record.
This time it’s the record for most receptions in a rookie season. Last year, Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua caught 105 passes, setting a new NFL record for receptions by a rookie. Today against the Saints, Bowers caught his 106th pass of the season in the third quarter.
That came shortly after Bowers broke Mike Ditka’s 63-year-old record for receiving yards by a rookie tight end.
Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers is also closing in on Nacua’s total, so it’s possible that the 2024 season will see the two top rookie reception totals in NFL history.
The rookie receiving record that Nacua broke was only two years old, having been set by Jaylen Waddle in 2021. As passing offenses continue to evolve and college football puts more NFL-ready receivers into the pros, and with the bonus of a 17-game season, this looks like a record that will continue to fall. Bowers or Nabers may give the record up to another rookie a year from now.
