NFL Legend Rob Gronkowski: Raiders’ Brock Bowers ‘On Track’ to Be Better TE Than Me

Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerFeatured Columnist IVSeptember 17, 2024

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Legendary tight end Rob Gronkowski believes the Las Vegas Raiders’ Brock Bowers has the potential to be truly special.

Gronkowski said Tuesday on Up & Adams the rookie is “on track to be better than myself” as a pass-catcher:

Kay Adams @heykayadamsthe HIGHEST praise for @Raiders rookie Brock Bowers. Wow. @brockbowers17 @RobGronkowski @tae15adams pic.twitter.com/jDuUntgb3u

Gronk was arguably the most dominant tight end in NFL history. He had 92 touchdown receptions in 143 appearances and averaged 58.9 yards per game.

Injuries didn’t afford him a lot of longevity and he struggled to stay healthy even in his prime. But the 6’6″, 265-pounder was a matchup nightmare for defenders because he was too strong for cornerbacks and too quick for linebackers.

Bowers is both shorter (6’4″) and lighter (230 pounds) than Gronkowski, yet he presented the same challenges to opposing teams in college. Little has changed in the NFL as he has 15 receptions for 156 yards so far.

The Raiders have found ways to utilize Bowers’ full arsenal of skills.

Las Vegas Raiders @RaidersBrock Bowers has 12 receptions for 125 yards. The most receiving yards in #Raiders history among tight ends in their first two career games 🤯#LVvsBAL | 📺 @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/xo9io48WXY

Gronkowski’s blocking ability is often overlooked in terms of his overall value. He made a positive impact even when he wasn’t running routes.

Thanks to their aforementioned difference in size, it’s difficult to envision Bowers ever matching Gronk in that regard.

Purely as a receiver, though, the sky is the limit for the former Georgia star.