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PFF scouting report: Tyus Bowser, Edge, Houston

CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 15: Tyus Bowser #81 of the Houston Cougars in action against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the game at Nippert Stadium on September 15, 2016 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Houston defeated Cincinnati 40-16. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Name: Tyus Bowser

School: Houston

Position fit: 3-4 or 4-3 outside linebacker

Stats to know: Collected seven sacks in 2016 despite rushing the passer only 173 times (most full-time edge players are 350-plus).

What he does best:

  • Extremely athletic. Change of direction and explosiveness all off the charts.
  • Flashes bend around the edge. When offensive tackles don’t get a clean punch on him, he’s already around them on the outside.
  • Closing ability on quarterbacks is fantastic. Will convert pressures into sacks at a higher rate than most.
  • Superb agility for his size. Can cross the face of an offensive tackle without them even getting a hand on him.
  • Had a strong showing as a pass-rusher during the week of Senior Bowl practice.
  • High percentage of his pressures came in clean-up/pursuit situations. Doesn’t give up on plays.

Biggest concern:

  • Lacks physicality. Shies away from contact at times. Doesn’t seem to relish delivering a blow.
  • Always a step behind reaction wise. Whether it’s his first step at the snap or reading a run, he doesn’t seem to have an innate feel for either.
  • Likely a designated pass-rusher if utilized off the edge.
  • Balance in the open field is suspect. Never seems to be attacking ball carriers with a purpose.
  • Very little power in his hands. Running backs drag him for extra yards and linemen stone him on bull rushes.
  • High percentage of his pressures came either unblocked or late in the down. Didn’t have a high percentage of clean, one-on-one wins.

Player comparison: Connor Barwin, Los Angeles Rams

Early in his career Barwin offered little as a pass-rusher. It took him a while to come into his own before he became a true-dual threat as a pass-rusher and coverage 3-4 outside linebacker in Philadelphia. Bowser could one day fill a similar role.

Bottom line: Bowser is about as raw as one could possibly be with four years of major college football under his belt. When he won as a pass-rusher, it was purely because of his athletic advantage. He’ll need to be taught how to take on blocks at the next level and is pure projection at this point.

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