The 2024 NFL Draft is less than a week away, and speculation and rumors continue to run rampant. The latest theorization comes from Steve Palazzolo of Pro Football Focus, who claims that the Pittsburgh Steelers should sprint to the podium to draft Georgia tight end Brock Bowers at 20th overall if he’s available.
Tight end is not even close to being a prominent need for the Steelers, but Palazzolo is a big proponent for drafting best player available.
“I don’t think any team actually does this, [but] I am a big believer in literally taking the best players available and almost ignoring your current roster if you do it the right way and avoiding the bias,” Palazzolo said during an appearance on 93.7 The Fan in regards to potential options for the Steelers at 20th overall. “You can make Brock Bowers work. I mean, he’s immediately your number one slot. I think he’s a top-10 in this draft.”
The Steelers have Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington as their top two tight ends. Freiermuth is heading into a contract year, but it seems impetuous to invest a first-round pick in a tight end when offensive tackle, wide receiver, center and even cornerback are glaring needs.
“You make it work with Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington. You just make it work,” Palazzolo firmly said. “And I think the tight end name and label with Brock Bowers is similar to what Buffalo did with Dalton Kincaid. They said, ‘Hey, he’s our slot receiver.’ They fed him the ball. Bowers is a better prospect than Kincaid, and he is an absolute weapon and playmaker. I would sprint to the podium to make that move anywhere 15 or later in the draft.”
The Steelers sent a hefty contingent to Georgia’s pro day last month. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, general manager Omar Khan, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin all made the trip.
Smith talked at length to tight end Brock Bowers. While the Steelers do not need a tight end, Bowers is the player who could signify the team filling their void at wide receiver with another tight end instead. But that seems unlikely.