I’m inclined to think the Saints would ideally like to leave this draft w/ Bowers
"Nine tight ends have been selected in the first round of the past 10 drafts. Those players have combined for zero All-Pro nods and one 1,000-yard season. "
Just read this from TheRinger article. Thought it was worth mentioning.
https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2024/4/18/24133333/nfl-draft-traps-to-avoid-2024
1000 yard season by tight ends are incredibly rare, All-Pro is a ridiculous standard to gauge success.
The 9 tight ends drafted in the first the last 10 years and their best season are:
Kyle Pitts - has a 68 catch 1000 yard season and a pro bowl
TJ Hockenson - 95 catches 960 yard season and a pro bowl - 13 points and 3 first place votes for All Pro
Noah Fant - 60 + catches 700 yards
Hayden Hurst - 56 catches 571 yards
OJ Howard - 26 catches 432 yards 6 TDs
Evan Engram -114 catches 963 yards Pro Bowl
David Njoku - 81 catches 883 yards Pro bowl
Eric Ebron - 66 catches 750 yards 13 TDs Pro Bowl
Tyler Eifert - 52 catches 615 yards 13 TD probowl
I wouldn't call anyone of them a bust. Every one of them were legitimate starters, and several are pro bowlers, hock could have easily been all pro . More than 66% of the Tight Ends drafted in the first round made the pro bowl. The way that Sheil Kapadia frames his article makes it sound like most TEs taken in the first round are busts, but the FACTS say different.