Draft guru sees Chargers, Jim Harbaugh selecting offensive star

There should be no shortage of attractive options for the Los Angeles Chargers and new head coach Jim Harbaugh, picking No. 5 overall in April's NFL Draft, but ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. believes they'll go with who he describes as "the most NFL-ready player" on the board. 

On the latest episode of "First Draft," Kiper said selecting Georgia tight end Brock Bowers would fit the Harbaugh mold while paying enormous dividends for the team's franchise quarterback. 

"Jim Harbaugh, the [Chargers], what do they value? Tight ends. Guys who can catch the ball and are versatile, and you can move around, Mark Andrews, George Kittle, Travis Kelce, the list goes on," Kiper said. "You think about Brock Bowers with the Chargers, I think it's a marriage made in heaven for Justin Herbert." 

Bowers showcases shocking speed for his size (6-foot-4, 230 pounds), and his dynamic play-making ability and athleticism make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He's also proven to be productive, recording 175 catches for 2,538 yards and 26 touchdowns over three seasons at Georgia. 

While Kiper's co-host, Field Yates, offered up wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State), edge rusher Laiatu Latu (UCLA) and tackle Joe Alt (Notre Dame) as "most-ready" options, he also lauded Bowers' skill set and toughness after he returned from TightRope ankle surgery. 

"He comes back from tightrope surgery and looks like the old version of Brock Bowers," said Yates, "which is not supposed to be the case when you're returning from tightrope surgery within the course of a season."

If the Chargers go elsewhere at fifth overall, it's unlikely the former Bulldogs standout will have to wait long to hear his name called. At one time, Kiper considered the New York Jets a possibility for Bowers, pairing him with Aaron Rodgers, but as the draft nears, he doesn't believe the talented tight end will make it past pick No. 10.

Kiper and Yates may believe Bowers is a pick with zero risk at No. 5 overall, but whether or not the Chargers agree remains to be seen. A world-class, elite tight end is a luxury worth having in the NFL. On a team needing help at offensive line and receiver, though, it may be one they choose to pass on for now in favor of an upgrade at another position.