NFL combine buzz: Should Broncos target Georgia TE Brock Bowers in first round?

Parker Gabriel, Broncos beat reporter: Alright, Ryan, another busy day at the NFL combine. Reporters took a massive interest Thursday in Georgia tight end Brock Bowers, and with good reason. NFL teams have massive interest in him, too. Tight end prospects like this don’t come around every year. It just so happens that Denver has a glaring need at tight end, where it received precious little production in 2023 (42 catches, 370 yards, three touchdowns combined) and an injury-riddled season from second-year man Greg Dulcich. So, what should Sean Payton and the Broncos scouting department be thinking here? Is Bowers special enough to consider taking him if he falls to No. 12? Even with the quarterback need looming? Or is this more likely a situation where Denver looks for an interesting later-round prospect — remember, George Kittle was a fifth-round pick, Travis Kelce a third-rounder and Sam LaPorta a second-rounder — or mines free agency?

Ryan McFadden, Broncos beat reporter: This is a tough question, but Payton and general manager George Paton have expressed the need for a tight end. Bowers said he has met with the Broncos and he does fit the “Joker” role Payton covets in his offense. Before coming to Indianapolis, I wasn’t sure if the Broncos would take Bowers at No. 12. But after a few days here, I think they would. Still, I’ll stand pat on my belief that Denver needs to address the left tackle position. If someone like Penn State’s Olu Fashanu or Notre Dame’s Joe Alt is available, the Broncos should lean toward addressing that position or cornerback. They can take a tight end in the later rounds like Penn State’s Theo Johnson, TCU’s Jared Wiley or even Thor himself, Dallin Holker from Colorado State. That said, Payton values tight ends, and prospects like Bowers don’t come around often.

Gabriel: True enough about left tackle. Between that position — it’s a deep tackle class — quarterback or corner, there are plenty of options. But here’s the thing: Payton loves himself a “Joker” type mismatch at tight end or running back. Bowers has that potential. Heck, NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah said before the combine that Bowers is what would happen if Dallas Clark and George Kittle had a child together. That’s lofty praise in the tight end pantheon. Plus, when Payton has a standout tight end, they produce at outrageous levels. At his four-year peak (2011-14), Jimmy Graham had four straight years with at least 85 catches, between 889 and 1,310 yards and 46 total touchdown receptions. Not saying Bowers is a guarantee to do that, but he sure would alter Payton’s approach. Twenty-five NFL tight ends had more yards in 2023 than Denver’s room overall. So, there are a lot of ways to get better. Bowers would be the most exciting one.

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