Tyus Bowser, EDGE: Athletically Gifted But Not Ready For The NFL

Tyus Bowser, EDGE
School: Houston | Conference: AAC
College Experience: Senior | Age: 21
Height / Weight: 6-3 / 247 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 2nd Round ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
NFL Comparison: Shea McClellin

College Statistics

Player Overview

Tyus Bowser has been rising up the EDGE position group and on draft boards since the combine. Not only does he have a cool name but he is by far one of the most gifted athletes in this draft. Bowser had a productive year at Houston and was able to make a few plays while flashing his athleticism. His athleticism has served him well and it's adequate enough to stick with tight ends and running backs out of the backfield. Some very notable names are very high on Bowser and almost every positive review of his work features his athleticism as the main selling point. I’m not buying though.

Bowser is extremely raw. He’s painful to watch at times and I caught myself muttering profanities during most of my film study of him. Make no mistake, he’s long, fast, and has some burst off the snap and occasionally shows some dip off the edge but to put it bluntly, he doesn't know how to play football and lacks instincts for the position right now. Browser’s production comes almost exclusively from his athleticism which wouldn't be as bad as it sounds if he flashed some technique as a rusher and linebacker in regard to getting off blocks and fighting through them as well. Despite his test numbers (the oddest part of all) he doesn't have the strength to collapse the pocket and does really try to either. He prefers to try and beat linemen with his speed. He lacks natural bend coming off the edge and will overshoot his target consistently. He can and will be washed out of plays against the run because of his hesitation, trouble converting speed to power, and lack of instincts.

Feel free to rip me a new one in the comments but I saw a player who is like a fly to you know what with his penchant for running into blockers and not the ball. What is double concerning for me as well is that a third of his sack total and a quarter of his TFLs came in one game against Tulane, one of the worst college teams in the country (no offense to Aaron Lesher) and the other significant chunk coming against Lamar. Bowser is an elite athlete at the position but not a football player. I view him as a massive project and at his current 2nd round projection I think he is criminally overrated as well.

Strengths

• An elite athlete who flashes speed and burst off the edge. Frame is well built but slender (looks more like a TE than an EDGE) has the length to disrupt passing lanes if his eyes are on the ball.
• Good coverage ability. Will be able to work in both base defenses and has the chops to stick with tight ends and running backs - skills as a former basketball player show in this area.
• Doesn't lack effort or motor. Will chase down guys from behind.

Weaknesses

• Putting him on the EDGE in the NFL is like throwing darts at the dartboard in the dark. Some will probably hit the target because of the laws of probability but why? He requires a large investment of time and coaching to learn the nuances of the position and proper technique as well as pass rush moves.
• Can not get off blocks against the run and has a hard time setting the edge and maintaining contain. I would also hesitate to move him in the middle as well.
• Combine excellence does not match tape. Reaction time is slow and instincts are lacking.
• The level of competition concern is real.

Let’s see his work:

How He Would Fit On The Redskins

I think I said how I feel in the overview. If I had to project where he might have the most success I guess I would say its at weakside linebacker in a 4-3. If I’ve missed something please let me know as it seems like I have. Normally prospects who are athletically gifted but lack technique and demonstratable production only rise so far. The 2nd or ever 3rd round for Bowser is just astounding in my view. I can’t help but feel like he’s a basketball player playing football and that the work required to get him to be the latter will be daunting and beyond challenging. I do love his effort, motor, and ability to cover. Players that try will always have a piece of my heart but he is not ready to play in the NFL as a starter. I think the team that drafts Bowser won't see dividends until his second contract if at all. I don’t see a fit here for the Skins and this is the one time I welcome the normally ridiculous “I would take him in the 7th if he there" comments.