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Originally posted by Boltnut
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BPA is in the eye of the beholder. IMO, #5-12 are really close... especially when you consider how they will be used.
For example, reading most posters you can assume that most people believe there is a huge drop-off between Brock Bowers and the #10 pick. But I look at Jim Harbaugh's offenses @Stanford, 49ers, and Michigan. Then I look at our own talent on the roster. I also consider the college program scheme they're coming from. I look @the talent the player has. I compare them to alternatives (at all other positions). I compare them to alternative TE's in later rounds. When I do that, I don't see much of a drop-off.
Harbaugh's offenses are very balanced. "Everybody eats". His receivers have similar numbers, even if the talent level between is greater. He likes to run the ball. At Stanford it was a 45/55 run heavy offense. At SF, it appears to be a 55/45 pass/run. At Michigan, it was about 50/50... a little more pass-centric with McCarthy... but still very balanced. This trend would limit Bowers ceiling.
The Chargers have Keenan Allen at WR#1. 100+ catches is expected... even when he missed 4 games this year. Joshua Palmer is another very good receiver... even though his numbers are stunted with Allen being the favorite target. Jim seems to believe in QJ. I would imagine Jim will want to feed him if he wants QJ to grow and develop. Derius Davis is another WR that didn't get many chances in Kellen Moore's offense. Will he only be used as a kick returner...? It's hard to believe that his down field speed will be ignored another year. While Parham is not a guy you count on every play, he certainly has his value in the redzone. I would be very surprised to see Bowers get 50+ catches with the Chargers.
Georgia's offense was also very balanced. 2 good RB's. 3 good WR's... one them was a RB/WR hybrid. Their offensive line was one of the best in college football. They could run, they could pass. There was a lot of pre-snap motion and shifts. They created mis-matches and spread the ball everywhere. You will see Brock wide open on many plays... and wasn't precise route running that got him there. A lot of his YAC can be contributed to Kirby Smart's offensive play-calling. Other times, he's getting favorable matchups with slower LB's or smaller CB's and safeties. His 75-yard TD run came against an over-matched Kent State club that didn't adjust defensively. Is he very fast and athletic for a TE...? You betcha! Will he get those mismatches in the NFL to the extent he got them at Georgia...? Man... everbody's fast and big in the NFL...
The talent is there. Very good hands, very good speed for a TE. Runs tough after the catch and has nice burst into/out of his breaks. I never put TE's in my top-10. I think he's top-10. You will never hear me use the word generational... so I won't use it here.
Too many here are sleeping on the other alternatives at other positions. I'm not sure if that is based on "experts" devaluations or if they are simply building an argument for "their" favorite player[s]. My post is already way too long so I will simply post my players @6-12. I can argue specifics if you want: Alt, Fashanu, Latu, Turner, Kool-Aid, Odunze, Nabers.
When I look at alternative TE's I see a drop off. Most don't compare to other players until the late 3rd and early 4th rounds. Then I start seeing value. Jaheim Bell, Ben Sinnott, Cade Stover, and Dallin Holker would all fit into a Jim Harbaugh offense.
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