Report: Colts likely to ‘run card in’ if Georgia TE Brock Bowers turns up with 15th pick

The Colts had previously been linked to highly regarded Georgia tight end Brock Bowers, and this conjecture will continue throughout the pre-draft evaluation process.

According to ESPN’s Matt Miller, the Indianapolis Colts will ‘run the card in’ if prized Georgia tight end Brock Bowers is available with the 15th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

What we’re hearing about the Colts’ draft: Cornerback stands out as one of the Colts’ biggest needs and realistic targets at No. 15 — as long as Brock Bowers is off the board. One source with a rival team believed the Colts would “run the card in” if Bowers is available. If he’s off the board, though, finding a starting outside cornerback in this draft is noted as the team’s priority. Terrion Arnold and Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell could both still be on the board when the Colts’ turn to pick comes up thanks to what should be a heavy run on offensive players in the top 10 picks. Ballard could have his choice of the draft’s best CBs without having to move up the board. — Miller

It’s not the first time the Colts have been linked to Bowers during the pre-draft evaluation process; NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah previously speculated on Indy interest in the top tight end prospect, who has also drawn comparisons to former Horseshoe franchise great Dallas Clark.

During 10 starts in 2023, the 6’3″, 243-pound junior tight end caught 56 receptions for 714 receiving yards (12.8 ypr. avg.) and 6 touchdown receptions, garnering unanimous All-American First-Team accolades and the John Mackey Award (for the second consecutive season).

Bowers, one of the best tight end prospects in recent memory, possesses athleticism, speed, separation, and the ability to rack up yards after the catch, which could position him as a dynamic, versatile receiving option in Shane Steichen’s creative and innovative Colts offensive scheme.

Who should draft Brock Bowers? pic.twitter.com/Kkc44IGo11

— PFF (@PFF) April 10, 2024

The sooner you start looking at Brock Bowers as a unicorn rather than a tight end, the better.

pic.twitter.com/W6JDIWfqw6

— Joe Beldner (@JoeBeldner) April 7, 2024

Brock Bowers is an absolute WEAPON 💥🐶 https://t.co/qxxN1A92SO pic.twitter.com/GRXq6sUHyQ

— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) April 10, 2024

When paired with second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson, whose early development and growth could undoubtedly benefit from Bowers’ arrival—with his sure hands and ability to make plays down the seam and over the middle of the field, the Indianapolis offense would be even more difficult to stop, especially with Jonathan Taylor.

I’m all for it because the Colts could use another top playmaker and explosive, big-play weapon to help Richardson elevate this offense to new heights.