NFL.com Mock Draft has Familiar Feel for Colts
There are new NFL Mock Drafts virtually every day, so we try and stick to those from some of the bigger names in the industry.
NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah qualifies.
Jeremiah released his first mock draft of the season this week, but it's following a familiar path: the Indianapolis Colts getting an offensive playmaker in the first round.
He has the Colts selecting Georgia Bulldogs tight end Brock Bowers at No. 15.
ESPN's Jordan Reid did the same two weeks ago.
There is a big question concerning Bowers, but it has nothing to do with his talent.
"Bowers is going to be tricky to place in mock drafts," wrote Jeremiah on NFL.com. "The talent suggests he should be a top-five pick, but the debate about positional value could push him down as far as the Colts at No. 15."
If teams are concerned about taking a tight end in the top 10 (see Falcons, Atlanta), it could be the Colts' gain.
Positional value doesn't mean anything if the player is a true-difference maker. Bowers projects in the mold of legendary tight ends like Travis Kelce and Antonio Gates.
Max Chadwick of Pro Football Focus (PFF) argues that he's the greatest tight end in college football history.
"He accomplished GOAT status by being the best tight end in college football right when he graduated high school," wrote Chadwick. "As a true freshman in 2021, Bowers was the most valuable tight end in the nation according to PFF’s wins above-average metric. He led all FBS tight ends that year with 522 yards after the catch and 13 receiving touchdowns."
The accolades continue from Chadwick on the included links.
The Colts also have a need at tight end. Despite taking a tight end in each of the last-three NFL Drafts, Indianapolis didn't have a tight end break 400-yards receiving.
Round peg. Round Hole.
The consensus is to build around last year's No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson. Bowers would certainly check that box.