Through two weeks, Bowers has caught 15 passes for 156 yards—setting the record for the most receptions as a rookie tight end in his first two career games. For context, Rob Gronkowski had two catches for 15 yards and a touchdown in his first two contests as a rookie in 2010.

There’s always a limelight on the first-round pick going into a team’s home opener, but that will be especially true at 1:05 p.m. Sunday afternoon at Allegiant Stadium when Las Vegas hosts the Carolina Panthers.

Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce knew the moment he first saw Brock Bowers that the rookie tight end the 'it' factor.