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If you have been a fan of the NFL draft for the past few years, you hear the term “generational” thrown around for about one player a year, more or less. In 2021, this title belonged to current Atlanta Falcon, Kyle Pitts. Pitts was labeled as the best tight end prospect the NFL had ever seen after putting up massive numbers at the University of Florida where he earned unanimous All-American honors as well as winning the John Mackey award.
Pitts's dominance made him the highest ever drafted tight end in NFL history, going 4th overall to the Falcons in a draft class with no shortage of receiving talent. Fast forward to 2024. Pitts has been good, yet underwhelming, and yet another SEC tight end has taken the spotlight. Georgia’s Brock Bowers burst on to the scene as a freshman, shattering school and college football records in route to becoming a three time first team All-American and the first ever back to back Mackey award winner.
In a draft class headlined by the likes of Marvin Harrison Jr, Rome Odunze, and Malik Nabers, will Bowers have the same luck Pitts had when the Falcons decided to make him a top five selection? Or should executives opt for one of this year's great wideouts.
It should not be this easy to get downfield...
Let alone as a 6'4 240 pound tight end.
Brock Bowers is special. pic.twitter.com/FNorXaW0D9
Key Attributes and Play Style
The first thing you notice while watching Brock Bowers is his blazing speed and incredible athleticism. It wouldn’t shock me to see Bowers push for Vernon Davis’ fastest 40 yard dash ever from a tight end. Bowers's speed allows him to create separation easily on linebackers and defensive backs, and be a true threat after the catch. Not only does Bowers have elite athleticism for his position, his strengths as a route runner, and his elite spacial awareness will make him one of the best at his position the moment he steps on an NFL field.
Brock Bowers is not the biggest and strongest tight end prospect out there, but he's more than adequate. Bowers demonstrated willingness as a blocker on his tape that turned into a strength as he grew over the years at Georgia.
Believe it or not, there is actually a weakness in Bowers' game. While Bowers has good hands, he is not great in contested catch situations. Bowers isn’t nearly physical enough at the catch point or aggressive enough attacking the ball to consistently win in contested catch situations. Someone with Bowers athletic ability should have no problem winning contested catch balls, so it’ll be interesting to monitor how he improves on this in the NFL.
It should not be this easy to get downfield...
Let alone as a 6'4 240 pound tight end.
Brock Bowers is special. pic.twitter.com/FNorXaW0D9
Film Breakdown
Brock Bowers is a tight end in a wide receivers body, someone that can be lined up all over the field and be a dynamic weapon from day one. Bowers is by far the best tight end prospect I have ever seen since I started my scouting journey in 2020. I get the star receiver talent at the top of this class, I really do, and I like them all, but for some reason Brock isn’t talked about at the top with them, and I really have no idea why. Brock Bowers is a superstar and should be treated like one in the 2024 NFL draft.
Final Grade: 92.9 - Blue Chip Prospect
For the full grade breakdown see Instagram @KwonScouting.
