Raiders phenomenal rookie TE Brock Bowers was already named to the AFC Pro Bowl team, in what we knew would be the first of many nods of recognition for him.
Wednesday it was the NFLPA’s turn. They released their third-annual Players All Pro team and Bowers made the squad.
He is the only rookie on the team and becomes just the third rookie to ever make the squad.
What makes the NFLPA Players All Pro team unique is its decided by the players themselves.
Bowers was an easy choice, really. He had an historic season by any measure. Including breaking a rookie tight end receiving record that had stood for 63 years, setting a new rookie receptions record (twice) and a new Raiders franchise single-season receptions record (112).
Not to mention — the important part — he led all tight ends this season in receiving (1194). He was unguardable, so whether they asked linebacker, safeties, or cornerbacks, they would all say Bowers was their toughest cover this season.