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2017 NFL Draft: Houston Tyus Bowser Scouting Report

By Jon Dove

Dec 5, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars linebacker Tyus Bowser (81) reacts after intercepting the ball against the Temple Owls in the first half in the Mid-American Conference football championship game at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars linebacker Tyus Bowser (81) reacts after intercepting the ball against the Temple Owls in the first half in the Mid-American Conference football championship game at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Houston’s Tyus Bowser is a raw but extremely explosive athlete who has the tools to develop into a high-impact NFL defender.

Tyus Bowser is a late riser in the 2017 NFL Draft thanks in large part to his impressive Combine performance. However, his game tape shows a player who has the tools to be a difference maker in the NFL.

Bowser is an explosive athlete who can get up to full speed in a hurry. This quick-twitch ability helps him generate pressure off the edge, close on a running back and break on passes. He’s easily one of the more explosive linebackers in the 2017 NFL Draft.

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The first thing that jumped out to me was his ability to hold up in coverage. He drops into coverage with excellent balance and his head on a swivel. Bowser shows good awareness and feels the routes developing around him.

His speed allows him to keep pace with pass catchers who enter his zone. This is a part of his game that will also get better as he gets more reps and better coaching.

Bowser is a relentless defender who is always in pursuit of the football. He shows a willingness to fight through blocks and work his way to the ball carrier. His overall pursuit is solid in that he takes proper angles and makes quick reads.

As a pass rusher, Bowser is all about using his speed and initial burst. His short-area quickness allows him to gain a step on the edge or shoot the inside gap. He also as the natural balance needed to bend around the corner.

The problem is that he doesn’t have a wide-array of pass rush moves. In fact, he’s more effective as a blitzer rather than pure pass rusher. This is thanks to his speed and snap awareness.

Bowser strikes me as a Bruce Irvin type who is better suited to line up as a traditional linebacker and rush the passer as needed. It may take a little for Bowser to become a complete player, but he has the tools to make an immediate impact.

Current Draft Range: 2nd Round

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