On Tuesday, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. put out his first mock draft of the 2024 cycle. Kiper gave the Chargers former Georgia tight end Brock Bowers with their first-round selection.
Here is what Kiper had to say about Bowers to Los Angeles:
Gerald Everett caught 51 passes in 2023, but he averaged just 8.1 yards per reception. L.A. really has to add a playmaker at the tight end position. With Everett hitting free agency, there’s a hole for Bowers, who is spectacular after the catch, to fill. He had 26 touchdown catches over three college seasons, showing a stellar ability to stretch the seams. Justin Herbert hasn’t had a pass-catcher like Bowers since he entered the league in 2020.
The Chargers can go a multitude of ways when they’re on the clock with the No. 5 overall selection, as the roster will most likely be revamped under their new head coach and general manager.
It doesn’t often happen when a tight end is taken as early as the fifth pick, but Bowers is a special player and is deserving of being taken that high.
Bowers, the only player to win the John Mackey Award twice, finished this past season with 56 catches for 714 yards and six touchdowns.
Along with his ability to be a mismatch for any defender in the passing game, Bowers is really good as a run blocker, which the Bolts have struggled to get from their tight ends in recent seasons.
Here is my scouting report on Bowers.