NFL Rookie Roundup 360: Brock Bowers wins the Devante Adams trade; Ray Davis shines
A big trade in the NFL shook the league on Tuesday as the Las Vegas Raiders traded disgruntled receiver Devante Adams to the New York Jets to reunite with Aaron Rodgers. While the trade has the Big Apple buzzing, fantasy league owners can now start placing their bets on Brock Bowers to become the top target in Vegas.
The former Georgia star has lived up to expectations through Week 6 of the NFL season as he has become the high-volume target, he was at Georgia. So far, the rookie tight end has hauled in 37 receptions for 384 yards including back-to-back games in which he has over 8 receptions. With Adams out of the mix, expect those numbers to eventually rise.
Already the leader on the team in both receptions and receiving yards, Bowers will be more of a No. 1 target for whoever is under center for the Raiders. Wide receivers Jacobi Meyers, Tre Tucker and DJ Turner will have their opportunities to step up, but the spotlight is now on the dynamic tight end who will be used as more of a big wide receiver now with Adams out of the mix, especially with his ability to get up the field and create yards after the catch.
In all, Bowers is making the Raiders look good in selecting him with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Ray Davis steps up in a big way for Bills
Speaking of stepping out, with James Cook sidelines for the Bills’ Monday Night matchup against the Jets, rookie running back Ray Davis took advantage of his opportunity to shine with a breakout performance.
The Kentucky product played a big role in the 23-30 win on the ground and catching the ball, showing off his dual-threat ability with 97 rushing yards on 20 carries and 3 catches for 55 yards. In all, it was the type of production Davis showed he is capable of during his days at Kentucky and the type of performance that had Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen gushing after the game.
“It was awesome to see. That’s why we drafted him,” Allen said, via the team’s official website. “He’s tough to bring down, and he runs the ball super hard, protects the ball. I’m very proud of him for stepping up.”
Now, the question is how the Bills can plug him into the offense more even when Cook is back. In seeing what the rookie can do when given the touches, the AFC East leading Bills now have another weapon in the mix.
Other rookie standouts in Week 6 and who to watch in Week 7
Week 6 saw the top rookie quarterbacks from the 2024 NFL Draft further showcase their talent. Both Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels had big games. While struggling to start his NFL debut, the third QB taken in the draft, Drake Maye, showed some flash of what he can do leading an offense. The Patriots rookie QB threw for 3 touchdowns but took some hits in a blowout loss to the Texans.
Some non-QB rookies who shined was of course Bowers and Davis, but also Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving who continues to bring balance with his running style and pass-catching ability. On the defensive side of the ball, Titans rookie defensive back Jarvis Brownlee Jr. continues to be a solid draft pick.
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Who to watch in Week 7? Maye facing the Jaguars’ defense in London will be interesting. With a game under his belt and hopefully better offensive line play, can Maye find a way to shine? On Thursday night, two rookie quarterbacks will square off as Bo Nix and the Broncos face Spencer Rattler and the Saints. Like Maye, Rattler had ups and downs in his debut, but showed flashes that he can be a starter in the league. An NFC East matchup between the Eagles and Giants could see cornerback Quinyon Mitchell going up against the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Malik Nabers.