Analyst believes Georgia TE Bowers ‘makes excellent sense’ for Seahawks

With just over a month until the 2024 NFL Draft, what will the Seattle Seahawks do in the first round?

As it stands, the Hawks have the 16th overall pick in this year’s draft. And, despite some anticipation that they would draft a quarterback early, that does not appear to be the case after Seattle traded with Washington for Sam Howell, who started 17 games for the Commanders last season and is entering his third NFL season.

Bucky Brooks, a former NFL player and scout who now works as an analyst for NFL Network, joined Seattle Sports’ Bump and Stacy on Friday to talk about what the Seahawks could do in the upcoming NFL Draft.

“It’s kind of tough, right? “It’s difficult because they don’t have the opportunity to dictate the board,” Brooks explained. “So they sort of have to wait and react. Much of it is determined by what happens in front of them. The quarterbacks’ early starts will influence how they think.”

This year, Chicago, Washington, and New England are likely to select quarterbacks with their top three picks. Minnesota and Denver, who pick 11th and 12th, respectively, may also take a quarterback, and either may trade up to get one.

Brooks’ most recent mock draft for NFL.com has the Seahawks selecting Georgia tight end Brock Bowers, who had a very distinguished career with the Bulldogs.

𝐏𝐒𝐀 🗣
Brock Bowers is 𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒆 👏@GeorgiaFootball x @SECNetwork pic.twitter.com/WnXLnn8Xe8

— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) September 17, 2022

Bowers, a two-time national champion at Georgia, is a three-time All-American and the 2022 and 2023 John Mackey Award winners as the nation’s top tight end. Bowers finished his college career with 175 receptions, 2,538 yards, and 26 touchdowns. He’s also a great blocker and has ran for 193 yards and five touchdowns in the last three years.

“I think if they can get someone to control the middle of the field – they lost (tight ends) Colby Parkinson and Will Dissly – it gives them just a chance to be able to put a dominant player in the middle of the field,” Brooks told ESPN. “I know Noah Fant is back, but it only adds another tight end who can create plays. And if you think about expanding this offense and some of the flexibility, I believe Bowers makes great sense.”

BROCK BOWERS IS A MACHINE 😨

78 YARDS. THIRD TD TODAY

(via @GeorgiaFootball)pic.twitter.com/NWbvzwKKIV

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 17, 2022

If not Bowers, Brooks believes the Seahawks should prioritize their defensive line.

“Tying to find more guys that can get after the passer and more guys that can make plays, you can never go wrong with that,” he went on to say.