Brock Bowers predicted to do something no tight end has ever accomplished originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Brock Bowers wasted little time establishing himself as one of the NFL’s brightest young stars, but ESPN believes the Las Vegas Raiders standout could make history in 2026.
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In its annual list of bold predictions for the upcoming season, ESPN’s Ben Solak projected that Bowers will become the first tight end ever to win the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year award.
It’s a prediction that would put the former Georgia star in a category all by himself.
Why Brock Bowers could make history
Winning Offensive Player of the Year is already a difficult accomplishment. Winning it as a tight end has never happened. The award has traditionally gone to quarterbacks or running backs, with wide receivers occasionally entering the conversation after historic seasons.
ESPN believes Bowers has the talent to change that. The Raiders have built much of their offense around the versatile playmaker, who can line up all over the field and create mismatches against linebackers and defensive backs alike.
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Raiders counting on another leap
Bowers has already shown he can be one of the league’s toughest players to defend. If he takes another step forward while helping Las Vegas compete for a playoff spot, his name could quickly enter the Offensive Player of the Year discussion.
The challenge, of course, is overcoming history. No tight end has ever captured the award.
But if there’s one player capable of ending that drought, ESPN believes it’s Brock Bowers. A historic season would not only elevate Bowers into the NFL’s elite. it could also signal that the Raiders are becoming one of the AFC’s biggest surprises in 2026.
