Steelers Could Find Themselves In An Intriguing Scenario If This Elite Hybrid Player Drops To 20 In The 2024 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers have many needs heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, including offensive line, cornerback, and wide receiver. Interestingly, the one position you rarely hear mentioned concerning the Steelers this year is tight end. Despite having Pat Freiermuth, a successful member of the offense entering his fourth season in the NFL, fans can't help but indulge in their dreams and 'what if' scenarios. One such dream revolves around Brock Bowers, the star tight end from the University of Georgia. What if he miraculously fell to 20? It's a dream that fuels the imagination.

Bowers has been mocked as high as the top five and as low as the teens, but never to 20. However, this draft is already shaping up to be a wild ride, with several quarterbacks and exceptional wide receivers set to go early. Some believe the top four picks will all be quarterbacks for the first time in history. 

Bowers is not just a top prospect this year, but one of the most promising tight ends in recent memory. His SEC records for catches (175), receiving yards (2,538), and receiving touchdowns (26) speak volumes about his talent. Moreover, his significant contributions to the Bulldogs' CFP Championships underscore his ability to perform under pressure. With such a stellar player available at 20, the Steelers would face a tough decision: how could they pass up on this generational talent?

According to Brian Batko from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, in a recent edition of his popular chat column, leaving him there might be crazy - especially with new Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith. 

"Brock Bowers isn't likely to fall to No. 20, but if he did, it would be an interesting pick to consider. You already have Pat Freiermuth, so I think the Steelers are comfortable with the TE position. And yet, your point about Arthur Smith's two-TE past is valid. A lot of draft analysts consider him to essentially be a WR too, which is an intriguing outside-the-box approach to getting that No. 2 pass catcher we can all agree they need," wrote Batko.

The Steelers and Smith share a run-heavy mindset for their offenses. Smith has expressed excitement over the running duo of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. While wide receiver George Pickens will see action, it should really be the tight ends that get excited. During his time with the Atlanta Falcons (2021-2023), Smith ran the most plays (1,549) in the NFL with multiple tight ends on the field. This will be a big change for Pittsburgh, who ran significantly less (844) during the same period. 

Bowers is the only player ever to win the John Mackey Award twice, given to the best college tight end. However, he is also sometimes viewed as a wide receiver. He's a bit undersized at 6'4" and 230 pounds, but with his skills, he's a bit of an anomaly. Bowers was so hard to cover for defenses because he was vital to Georgia's run game. In 2022, he ran for a 75-yard touchdown against Kent State.

Steelers' Darnell Washington Could Lose His Job Again

The Steelers don't just have Freiermuth; they also have Darnell Washington. Washington, drafted in 2023, lost his starting job to Bowers once when they were both playing at Georgia. 

When Bowers was a freshman at Georgia, he was meant to share playing time with Washington and Arik Gilbert. Unfortunately, Washington broke his foot, and Gilbert left the team, leaving Bowers to start. During his first start with Georgia, he led them in receptions with six catches for 43 yards as they beat Clemson. Despite suffering an ankle injury and missing three games, he still led the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns that season.     

The Steelers were able to nab Washington in the third round in 2023 after he slipped due to lingering knee injuries. This led the Steelers to use Washington more for blocking than catching. Washington lined up for 511 offensive snaps in 2023, which is about 48%. He was only targeted 10 times as a receiver and had seven catches for 61 yards. 

Would you want the Steelers to take Bowers if he was available at 20? Click to comment below. 

#SteelerNation