JACKSONVILLE – He's a good prospect. Really good.
The question about Brock Bowers of the University of Georgia isn't whether he's the top tight end in the 2024 NFL Draft. Rather, it's what being a player NFL/Jaguars Media analyst Bucky Brooks calls "special" means at a traditionally non-premium position.
"The challenge is figuring out where does he go in the draft," NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said.
"He might be one of the five most talented players in the draft, but because he's a tight end, he tends to slip a little in mock drafts," ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller said.
While tight end has become increasingly important to NFL offenses in recent seasons, the draft doesn't always reflect that status. Nine tight ends have been selected in Round 1 of the last 10 drafts, with three – Kyle Pitts (Atlanta, No. 4, 2021), T.J. Hockenson (Detroit, No. 8, 2019) and Eric Ebron (Detroit, No. 10, 2014) – selected in the Top 10 in that span.
"When you look around the league and see most of these top tight ends that have come on Day Two – even beyond that – teams are now saying, 'OK, we can find that other tight end,''' Jeremiah said. " 'Maybe we don't get the top guy, but we can get a really, really good player who might end up being the top guy without having to pay that premium.'''
Bowers is considered the lone tight end in Round 1 in this year's draft, with players such as Ben Sinnott of Kansas State and Ja'Tavion Sanders of Texas considered second-to-third-round selections.
"This is not going to be a hallmark tight end class in general," ESPN analyst Field Yates said.
Bowers in three seasons at Georgia caught 175 passes for 2,538 and 26 touchdowns, also running 19 times for 193 yards and five touchdowns.
"He's a George Kittle type," Brooks said, comparing Bowers to the San Francisco 49ers' Pro Bowl tight end. "Everyone around the league would say that this dude can do it all. He's super-athletic and can catch it out the back field. He can run fly sweeps.
"He can do it. He's different than everybody else in the class. There are good athletes in the class, guys that are high weight/speed prospects, good hands, but in terms of the special guys, he's just a little different."
Jeremiah called Bowers "super easy to grade."
"He is one of the best ten players in the draft," Jeremiah said. "He plays with tenacity, especially with the ball in his hands. That's where he is at his best. And the run game, when he can get into guys, he can finish them. He's not the tallest or longest guy so there are times he can't do that.
"He can climb the ladder and go and get the ball, and really the run-after-catch stuff is what makes him special."
ESPN Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. on Bowers: "He's not a tight end. He's a multiple-option player. You can do anything you want with Brock Bowers. He's an offensive weapon."
Bowers generally has been projected to be selected Nos. 9-to-20 overall – perhaps most commonly in recent weeks to the New York Jets at No. 10.
"Bowers is head and shoulders above everybody else in the class," Brooks said. "His talent is worthy of being a top five, top end player. We just don't know if he gets that return on an investment if he doesn't land in the right spot."
HANDICAPPING THE JAGUARS
With tight end Evan Engram emerging in two seasons with the Jaguars as one of the NFL's better receiving tight ends, this doesn't appear to be a position need. The Jaguars also addressed the run-blocking phase of this position this offseason, signing Josiah Deguaraas an unrestricted free agent from the Green Bay Packers. Four-year veteran Luke Farrell and second-year veteran Brenton Strange – a second-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft – also are on the roster, giving the Jaguars depth and front-line talent at receiving and blocking tight end. But while this isn't a position of need, any team outside the Top 10 figures to be intrigued if Bowers slides to their position. While Bowers could slide somewhat, his potential impact could transcend need for a team selecting in the middle of the first round. Could the Jaguars be tempted if Bowers is there at No. 17 overall in Round 1? That figures to be the only chance the team would select the position on Days 1 or 2.
--John Oehser
CHANCE JAGUARS TAKE A TIGHT END IN ROUND 1
Unlikely.
TEs ON THE JAGUARS ROSTER
On the roster:
- Evan Engram
- Brenton Strange
- Josiah Deguara
- Luke Farrell
- Josh Pederson
BUCKY BROOKS' TOP 5 2024 TIGHT ENDS
- Brock Bowers, junior, Georgia
- Ja'Tavion Sanders, junior, Texas
- Cade Stover, senior, Ohio State
- Theo Johnson, senior, Penn State
- AJ Barner, senior, Michigan.
POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUND TIGHT ENDS
Bowers.
Back to work 💪 The guys are hitting the gym and the practice field. Check out the top photos from the first couple of days back at Miller Electric Center.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars WR Tim Jones during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars CB Gregory Junior during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars CB Ronald Darby during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars TE Josh Pederson during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars CB Tevaughn Campbell during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars TE Patrick Murtagh during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars TE Luke Farrell during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars S Daniel Thomas during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars RB D'Ernest Johnson during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars S Daniel Thomas during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars RB Travis Etienne Jr. during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars S Andre Cisco during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars OLB Yasir Abdullah during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars OL Cam Robinson during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars CB Tyson Campbell during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars LB Caleb Johnson during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars OL Brandon Scherff during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars LB Ventrell Miller during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars LB Dequan Jackson during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars WR Gabe Davis during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence speaks to the media during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars OLB Trevis Gipson during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars WR Gabe Davis during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars WR Tim Jones during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars TE Brenton Strange during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars WR Seth Williams during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars RB D'Ernest Johnson during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars QB Mac Jones during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars S Andre Cisco during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars CB Amani Oruwariye during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars DL Roy Robertson-Harris during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receivers Zay Jones (left) and Christian Kirk (right) during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars RB Travis Etienne Jr. during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars TE Brenton Strange during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars CB Tevaughn Campbell during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars LB Foyesade Oluokun speaks to the media during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars WR Christian Kirk during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars TE Patrick Murtagh during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars WR Christian Kirk during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars TE Josiah Deguara during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars strength and conditioning staff during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jacksonville Jaguars voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars DL Tyler Lacy during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars TE Josiah Deguara during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars WR Christian Kirk during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars WR Parker Washington during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars QB Mac Jones during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars TE Patrick Murtagh during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars S Andrew Wingard during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars DL Tyler Lacy during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars RB Travis Etienne Jr. during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars DL Roy Robertson-Harris during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars S Andrew Wingard during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars OLB Travon Walker during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars WR Zay Jones during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars CB Christian Braswell during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive backs during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence speaks to the media during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars S Ronald Darby during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars CB Christian Braswell during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars S Antonio Johnson during voluntary offseason workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 16, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars DL Tyler Lacy during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars TE Josh Pederson during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars WR Seth Williams during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars OLB Travon Walker during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars OLB Travon Walker during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars DL Tyler Lacy during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars DL Adam Gotsis during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars CB Erick Hallett II during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars strength and conditioning staff during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars LB Caleb Johnson during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars OLB Trevis Gipson during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars TE Brenton Strange during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars DL Tyler Lacy during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars DL DJ Coleman during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars DL Adam Gotsis during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars OLB Travis Gipson during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars director of strength and conditioning Cedric Scott during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars DL Roy Robertson-Harris during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars DL Roy Robertson-Harris during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars OLB Travon Walker during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars DL Jeremiah Ledbetter during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars WR Seth Williams during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars WR Devin Duvernay during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars TE Patrick Murtagh during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars OL Anton Harrison during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive backs during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars WR Gabe Davis during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars OL Keaton Sutherland during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars TE Patrick Murtagh during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars OL Keaton Sutherland during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars LB Chad Muma during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars LB Devin Lloyd during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars S Andre Cisco during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars CB Tyson Campbell during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars CB Gregory Junior during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars S Andrew Wingard during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars LB Chad Muma during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive backs during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars OL Blake Hance during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars OL Blake Hance during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars LB Caleb Johnson during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars WR Tim Jones during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars DL DaVon Hamilton during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars OL Anton Harrison during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars director of strength and conditioning Cedric Scott during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars K Riley Patterson during offseason voluntary workouts at the Miller Electric Center on April 18, 2024.
