17th overall ADP TE with league-winner upside; weak receiver core elevates role

Brock Bowers is the tight end one off the board at 17th overall ADP and has potential to be a true league winner and difference maker. As a rookie, he finished as the number two fantasy producer at tight end in fantasy points per game behind only George Kittle, and despite a mid-season injury, still finished as a top-four fantasy tight end in PPR. In half PPR, he's a great second-round pick; in full PPR, there's an argument for him at the end of the first round or beginning of the second round. The improved offensive environment—new head coach Clint Kubiak, competent veteran QB Kirk Cousins, and eventual franchise QB Fernando Mendoza—combined with a weak receiver core means Bowers will be the de facto number one receiver in the offense, similar to how Trey McBride was deployed last year. In PPR, only five running backs and three wide receivers averaged more fantasy points per game than Bowers last year. Matt Harmon believes Bowers could potentially exceed McBride's transcendent 2024 season.