The Los Angeles Chargers are one of the biggest wild cards near the top of the 2024 NFL Draft. Holding the fifth overall pick, the Keenan Allen trade raised even more questions about what general manager Joe Hortiz and head coach Jim Harbaugh will do with their first-round pick.
After trading Allen and releasing Mike Williams, there’s a growing belief that Los Angeles will use the fifth overall pick on either wide receiver Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze. However, there’s another compelling argument that the new Chargers’ philosophy indicates they’ll use that top pick on an offensive tackle.
Related: Los Angeles Chargers mock draft 2024
Another distinct possibility would involve Los Angeles swinging a trade with the Minnesota Vikings, moving down to the 11th overall pick and potentially picking up the 23rd overall pick in exchange. While that approach would allow the team to address multiple needs in Round 1, it would also potentially take them out of position to land a top prospect they are reportedly very high on.
Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda reported that the Chargers are among the teams with the most interest in Georgia Bulldogs tight end Brock Bowers. Los Angeles is joined by the Chicago Bears, Tennessee Titans and New York Jets as the clubs with the heaviest interest in the two-time All-American.
- Brock Bowers stats 2023: 56 receptions, 714 receiving yards, 6 touchdowns, 1 rushing touchdown
Many were excited to see Bowers at Georgia’s Pro Day in early March. However, the Bulldogs’ star didn’t participate due to a minor injury. While his absence meant no athletic testing numbers are publicly available on him ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, it’s not expected to influence his draft stock.
Related: Examining 4 Los Angeles Chargers trade-down scenarios in 2024 NFL Draft
How Brock Bowers fits the Los Angeles Chargers offense
It’s easy to see why Harbaugh and the Chargers’ front office might be high on Bowers. He’s drawn NFL comparisons to All-Pro tight end George Kittle and is widely viewed as a player who can make a positive impact as a blocker. For a run-oriented offense who wants versatility and physicality, that’s appealing.
Bowers is also a very dynamic offensive weapon. As a key piece of the Bulldogs’ offense over the last three seasons, the 6-foot-4 tight end received 19 career carries. He turned those touches into 193 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns. As for his pass-catching prowess, Bowers finished his career with 26 touchdowns and averaged 14.5 yards per catch.
- Brock Bowers college stats: 175 receptions, 2,538 receiving yards, 26 touchdowns, 19 carries, 193 rushing yards, 5 rushing touchdowns in 40 games
Considering Los Angeles signed Will Dissly in NFL free agency to serve as the primary blocker in two tight end sets, it’s very possible Bowers could be the dynamic playmaker who would become a go-to weapon for quarterback Justin Herbert. If Los Angeles wants him, though, it’s quite evident he’ll need to be picked fifth overall otherwise there’s a strong chance he doesn’t make it past the Jets with the 10th overall selection.
