Brock Bowers, a standout tight end from Georgia, is a coveted prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft. With his impressive physical abilities and pass-catching prowess, he has drawn comparisons to Kyle Pitts, the highest-drafted tight end in history. However, the NFL’s history with first-round tight ends is a mixed bag.
While players like Travis Kelce and George Kittle were selected in later rounds and became All-Pros, others like Noah Fant and O.J. Howard were taken in the first round but have not lived up to expectations. This inconsistency has raised questions about whether NFL teams are overvaluing athleticism in tight ends and overlooking natural pass-catching ability.
Mark Dominik, a former Buccaneers general manager and current NFL analyst, believes that teams may be placing too much emphasis on athleticism at the tight end position. He emphasizes the importance of natural pass-catching skills, citing players like Kelce and Kittle as examples of players who excel in this area.
Recent draft history supports Dominik’s theory. In the 2022 season, non-first-round tight ends like Sam LaPorta, Cole Kmet, and Jake Ferguson ranked among the top 10 in receptions and yards. This suggests that teams can find value at the tight end position without spending a premium draft pick.
Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. While the miss rate on first-round tight ends may be high, there have been some notable successes. Vernon Davis, Greg Olsen, and T.J. Hockenson are examples of first-round tight ends who have had successful NFL careers.
Brock Bowers may be another exception. His unique combination of athleticism and pass-catching skills sets him apart from many other tight end prospects. He has demonstrated the ability to create mismatches across the field, catch passes with soft hands, break tackles, and accelerate past defenders.
The Jets, who hold the 10th overall pick in the draft, are reportedly strongly considering Bowers. General manager Joe Douglas has praised Bowers as a “Swiss Army knife,” highlighting his versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
Whether Bowers will live up to the hype and become a top-tier NFL tight end remains to be seen. However, his impressive skill set and the Jets’ need for a pass-catching threat make him a potential game-changer for the team.
