ESPN predictor gives TE Brock Bowers less than 10 percent chance to be available for Colts
ESPN’s draft day predictor tool gives Georgia tight end Brock Bowers less than a 10 percent chance to still be on the board when the Colts are picking at 15th overall.
To determine these odds, ESPN uses a statistical model based on prospect grades from Scouts Inc., expert mock drafts, and team needs, along with a few other factors. These factors are then proportioned based on how accurate they’ve been in the past.
The sweet spot for when Bowers is projected to be taken based on ESPN’s numbers are in the 9-to-12 range.
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The New York Jets, at 10th overall, have the highest likelihood of taking Bowers at roughly 35 percent as they search for another weapon for Aaron Rodgers. The Chicago Bears at pick No. 9 have the second-highest likelihood to take Bowers at roughly 20 percent.
Adam Schefter recently said that Bowers will go somewhere between picks 10 and 16.
If Bowers does happen to be on the board when the Colts are on the clock, there may be little hesitation from GM Chris Ballard to make this selection–and understandably so. ESPN’s Matt Miller noted in an article that he was told by a source from a rival team that if Bowers is on he board, the Colts would “run the card in.”
A priority for the Colts this offseason is to add more playmaking to the offense, and Bowers would certainly help accomplish that. He was a very reliable target at Georgia, particularly over the middle of the field, and was excellent with the ball in his hands at picking up YAC.
A tight end who can move around the formation like Bowers can, lining up in-line, from the slot, and out wide, can help open up the playbook for Shane Steichen, creating mismatches for not only Bowers to exploit but for his teammates as well with the attention he can draw.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com called Bowers an “adequate” blocker. If he can continue to refine that element of his game, a tight end who can impact both the run and passing games also adds a layer of unpredictability to the offense as well, with that player’s ability to fill a variety or roles and undertake a number of responsibilities.
In short, Bowers is the type of player who can add a lot to any offense.
Currently, ESPN’s draft day predictor tool has Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold as the most likely player to be taken at 15th overall. Cornerback is one of the biggest needs that the Colts have.
