NFL tight ends haven’t always made an impression as rookies, but Brock Bowers of Georgia is a talented tight end who might become a star right away.
In the past, NFL tight ends have hardly ever had a significant influence in their debut season. That has changed in the last few years. Two of the better offenses in the league last year had receivers Sam LaPorta (Lions) and Dalton Kincaid (Bills) ranked second on their respective teams. Falcons rookie tight end Kyle Pitts established rookie receiving records in 2021.
Throughout the league, several tight ends have been invaluable assets to their teams. The offenses of the Chiefs’ Travis Kelce, the 49ers’ George Kittle, the Vikings’ T.J. Hockenson, and the Eagles’ Dallas Goedert have reached new heights.
Tight ends have received little attention from the New Orleans Saints lately. Although Juwan Johnson is a converted wideout with limitations as a blocker and difficulties getting off the line in typical formations, he has demonstrated that he can be a matchup weapon. Foster Moreau is rarely used as a receiving target and is more of a conventional in-line tight end.
With the addition of offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and an almost all-new offensive staff, this might alter. Kubiak, Kittle’s former coach in San Francisco, has a system that works well with tight ends.
In 2024, will New Orleans make more use of this position?
The Saints showed no interest in any of the excellent tight ends available in free agency; we’ll have to wait and see. The manuscript, on the other hand, can tell a different tale. In addition to the players mentioned above, there is a first-round tight end who is a sure thing.
TE Brock Bowers
Against the Auburn Tigers, tight end Brock Bowers (19) of the Georgia Bulldogs sprints after a grab. © USA TODAY NETWORK/Jake Crandall
Against the Auburn Tigers, tight end Brock Bowers (19) of the Georgia Bulldogs sprints after a grab. © USA TODAY NETWORK/Jake Crandall
After graduating from California’s Napa High School, Bowers declined numerous national recruiting offers to play at Georgia. In The Bulldogs’ two consecutive national championship teams, he played a crucial role. Among his numerous accolades were the 2022 and 2023 John Mackey Award for being the best tight end in the country and the 2023 First Team All-American designation.
Unusually, in each of his three seasons, Bowers led the Bulldogs in receiving from the tight end position. In 2022, he had 63 receptions for 942 yards and seven touchdowns after having caught 56 passes for 882 yards and 13 touchdowns as a freshman in 2021.
Although Bowers played in just 10 of the 14 games during the previous season, he caught 56 passes for 714 yards and six touchdowns. At the end of his Georgia career, he ranked third in receptions, fifth in receiving yardage, and second in all-time receiving touchdowns.
Bowers is a tight end with exceptional athleticism. Like a seasoned wideout, he can run the whole route tree with rapid acceleration at the snap. Whether he is set up in the slot, splitting out wide, or coming off the line, he is just as effective.
Tight end Brock Bowers (19) of the Georgia Bulldogs grabs a reception in opposition to Florida safeties Tre’Vez Johnson (16) and Rashad Torrence II (22 ). © USA TODAY NETWORK / Corey Perrine
Tight end Brock Bowers (19) of the Georgia Bulldogs grabs a reception in opposition to Florida safeties Tre’Vez Johnson (16) and Rashad Torrence II (22 ). © USA TODAY NETWORK / Corey Perrine
Bowers has an advantage in size over most corners and even safeties, making him a nearly impossible cover for linebackers. In addition to his exceptional awareness in spotting gaps in zones, he will burst out of his breaks to gain space against man coverage.
Bowers can catch off-target throws thanks to his steady hands and strong body control. He is a dependable target in traffic, displaying superb focus and deftly utilizing his body to block opponents from the throw.
Lethal after the catch, Bowers has a long stride, can evade tackles in the open field, and will bend over to bowl through opponents. He can be an effective weapon on jet sweeps and TE screens thanks to his open field aptitude and running talents.
In the CFP national championship game, Georgia Bulldogs tight end Brock Bowers (19) outmuscles TCU Horned Frogs safety Millard Bradford (28). Required Credit: USA TODAY Sports / Jayne Kamin / Oncea
In the CFP national championship game, Georgia Bulldogs tight end Brock Bowers (19) outmuscles TCU Horned Frogs safety Millard Bradford (28). Required Credit: USA TODAY Sports / Jayne Kamin / Oncea
Despite being small for the position, Bowers puts in a strong effort and has good blocking technique. He struggles to maintain blocks for the running game, though.
Bowers’s arms are a little on the short side, which limits his catch radius. When facing NFL defenses, he will need to demonstrate that he is physically capable of getting off the line in traffic as an in-line tight end.
REPORT ; Brock Bowers Is Capable Of elevating The Entire New Orleans Saints Offense As A…
A true menace at every level of a defense is Brock Bowers. His skills are capable of taking an offense to new heights. He will undoubtedly be the first tight end chosen and is a first-round selection.
Against the Kentucky Wildcats, tight end Brock Bowers (19) of the Georgia Bulldogs sprints after a grab. Required Credit: USA TODAY Sports/Dale Zanine
Against the Kentucky Wildcats, tight end Brock Bowers (19) of the Georgia Bulldogs sprints after a grab. Required Credit: USA TODAY Sports/Dale Zanine
Where Bowers will be selected on draft night is the only question. With so many more urgent team needs, the Saints are unlikely to trade up to acquire him despite his top-10 talent.
The draft is expected to include a number of quarterbacks. Coordinator Klint Kubiak may have a potent new weapon for his attack if this forces Bowers to drop out of the top ten and he ends up for New Orleans at number 14.