I know the idea of drafting a tight end with the 6th overall pick really puts people off, but Bowers might be the best TE prospect to come along in the last decade and there probably won't be another one close in the near future. He's got great speed for a guy his size, which will make it tough on linebackers and at 240 pounds, he'll be a tough cover for most safeties and CB while also being a solid enough in-line blocker and a really good one in space. We've also seen recently what great tight ends can do. There are two very good teams in the last decade that have built their offense around a great tight end.
As of now, I'd 100% take the three QBs, MHJ and maybe Nabers over him. If we decide Neal isn't going to be a capable NFL OT then maybe Alt and Fashanu go over him too. I understand the general thought of why a WR would get prioritized over a tight end. They're more explosive and are generally better weapons whereas tight ends tend to be bigger bodies that create separation with their size so they don't have the same upside. If Bowers reaches his potential, he's the natural successor to the Gronk/Kelce throne so what would be so wrong about drafting him 6 that isn't just living by the maxim of "don't draft tight ends that high".
As of now, I'd 100% take the three QBs, MHJ and maybe Nabers over him. If we decide Neal isn't going to be a capable NFL OT then maybe Alt and Fashanu go over him too. I understand the general thought of why a WR would get prioritized over a tight end. They're more explosive and are generally better weapons whereas tight ends tend to be bigger bodies that create separation with their size so they don't have the same upside. If Bowers reaches his potential, he's the natural successor to the Gronk/Kelce throne so what would be so wrong about drafting him 6 that isn't just living by the maxim of "don't draft tight ends that high".