Ravens add dynamic OLB Tyus Bowser in 2017 NFL draft

The Baltimore Ravens added a powerful defender against the run on Friday when they selected outside linebacker Tyus Bowser with the No. 47 overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft.

The linebacker out of Houston excelled in front of scouts at the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine. Being explosive hasn’t been a problem for Bowser over the years, but consistency has proved to be his issue.

Bowser’s senior season only consisted of eight starts in as many games thanks to a fight with a teammate that left the linebacker with a broken orbital bone. Despite missing a month of action, he still amassed 12 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks and claimed second-team all-conference honors — all building off his 2015 season in which he started every game and made 50 total tackles (6.5 for loss) and 5.5 sacks.

The multisport athlete has had success both as an edge rusher and outside linebacker. A move to the middle isn’t likely, but his contribution to stopping the run game should be felt almost immediately. Bowser was largely overlooked heading into the combine before putting up head-turning numbers for a guy who is 6’3, 247 pounds.

The linebacker didn’t just play football for the University of Houston. He also suited up for its basketball team for two seasons. The cross-training improved Bowser’s footwork in space and showed his versatile skill set. With NFL teams looking for guys who can contribute in multiple facets of the game, being a well-rounded athlete can only bolster his chances to succeed at the next level.

His measurables, along with his combine performance, is what started generating buzz for the relatively unknown prospect heading into the draft process. At the combine, he finished as a top performer among his position group in the 40-yard dash (4.65 sec), broad (127.0”) and vertical (37.5”) jumps, and three-cone drill (6.75 sec).

As a latecomer to the game of football, Bowser still has immense upside, with enough talent to get him into the league and enough room for improvement to end up being a sleeper for the team.

There is no hiding the fact that Bowser can be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. During his four years with the Cougars, the linebacker made an impressive 22.5 sacks — placing him second all-time in the American Athletic Conference. His ability to reach the passer so frequently is what earned him the nickname “The Bulldozer.”

His pass coverage is call for concern, but his ability attacking the line supersedes his inconsistencies on the outside. Bowser’s athleticism bodes well for his ability to cover running backs and tight ends, but his lack of technique and experience make him a liability on the edge. He often tries to outmaneuver linemen with his speed, rather than getting off or fighting through a block.