Brock Bowers made his 2026-27 season debut in the Las Vegas Raiders 35-27 Week 3 win over the New Orleans Saints. He made an immediate impact in that contest, serving as the club's go-to option in the passing game. His play was so good, that NFL analyst Mina Kimes couldn't help but think of Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce when watching Bowers.
Kimes ultimately loves how Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak is utilizing the 23-year-old tight end. She believes the plays being dialed up for Bowers is similar to how Kansas City would call plays for Kelce when he was in his prime. Seeing him lineup like a wide receiver appears to be what sets Bowers apart from the rest right now.
“It's 12 personnel, but really 12 personnel because Brock Bowers is a WR1,” Kimes said. “You need to talk about him like you talk about [Jaxon Smith-Njigba], who Klint Kubiak coached in Seattle, or Ja'Marr Chase, or what not. Because that's how dominant [Bowers] is. That's how he's being used. He's being used like prime Travis Kelce right now. He lined up wide or in the slot. He's up against your No. 1 corner, and he's beating him.”
"[Brock Bowers is] being used like prime Travis Kelce right now."@minakimes loves what she's seeing from Brock Bowers in the Raiders' offense ✍️ pic.twitter.com/F3wvRhoPBM
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 29, 2026
The three-year veteran ended his first game of this season with 10 receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown off 13 targets. Quarterback Kirk Cousins looked Bowers' direction early and often, and it proved to be the right decision against the Saints.
Bowers will have a chance to go head-to-head with Kelce in Week 4. The Raiders are scheduled to face off against the Chiefs at 4:25 p.m. EST on Sunday, October 4.