Packers Never Drafted Aaron Rodgers a WR or TE in Round 1; Jets Rumored to Eye Bowers

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekFeatured Columnist IVApril 21, 2024

Perry McIntyre/ISI Photos/Getty Images

Aaron Rodgers doesn’t know what it is like to watch his team select a wide receiver or tight end in the first round of the NFL draft, but that could change Thursday.

ESPN’s Rich Cimini noted Sunday that the Green Bay Packers didn’t select a pass-catcher in the first round during any of the 15 years Rodgers was their starting quarterback. Yet the Jets have the opportunity to do just that with the No. 10 overall pick if Georgia tight end Brock Bowers is available.

Cimini reported many scouts around the league are “expecting the Jets to pair Rodgers with the talented playmaker. General manager Joe Douglas referred to Bowers as a ‘Swiss Army knife,’ saying ‘the right type of tight end can be a real weapon.'”

He would be quite the weapon in New York’s offense, which already features a dominant No. 1 receiver in Garrett Wilson, an impressive No. 2 receiver in Mike Williams and a high-upside running back in Breece Hall.

Any tight end playing with those weapons is going to see plenty of single coverage, and Bowers has the skill set to take full advantage.

B/R’s NFL Scouting Department is among those expecting New York to take him, as it projected the tight end to go No. 10 overall in its latest mock draft.

“Georgia’s Brock Bowers is too good for the Jets to pass up,” B/R’s Derrik Klassen said. “More slot player than tight end, Bowers is a unique YAC threat for his 240-pound body type. He is a long, agile player with outstanding speed and balance in the open field.”

It’s playoffs or bust for the Jets this season with the return of Rodgers, and surrounding him with high-end weapons will help them maximize their window in the back portion of the 40-year-old’s career.

Don’t be surprised if they end the infamous first-round streak surrounding the future Hall of Fame quarterback.