The Rams reportedly wanted to draft Brock Bowers and now we can see why
Puka Nacua set an NFL record with 105 catches as a rookie in 2023, but that was broken on Sunday by Brock Bowers and he did it in fewer games. Welcome to the modern NFL passing game. Bowers caught his 106th pass in the middle of the Raiders’ game against the Saints in Week 17, putting him in first place with more than a week left in his first season.
Most receptions ever by a rookie:
Brock Bowers 106*
Puka Nacua 105
Jaylen Waddle 104
Anquan Boldin 101
Malik Nabers 101** = currently playing
— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) December 29, 2024
Bowers — who the Rams reportedly wanted to trade up for in the draft before being rebuked — also set the NFL rookie record for most yards by a tight end. The former standout at Georgia now has 1,131 yards, making him the fourth rookie this season to cross over 1,000 yards.
That’s the most rookie 1,000-yard receivers in NFL history.
Nacua continues to hold the record for most yards by a rookie with 1,486. For the time being, his record looks safe. Rookie Brian Thomas of the Jaguars has 1,179 yards, so nobody is going to break Puka’s record there.
Just wait though, the NFL isn’t going to do anything to slow down receivers and setting records. Enjoy this moment while it lasts.