Horse Tracks: 2017 NFL Scouting Report: Tyus Bowser, OLB - Houston

Happy Wednesday, Broncos Country.

This morning I'll be sharing a scouting report with you on versatile Houston Cougars defender Tyus Bowser. In four years with the Cougars, Bowser amassed 137 tackles, 28 for loss and 22.5 sacks and proved to be one of the best player's in his conference. Not only does he have the ability to get after the quarterback, he is also fluid in coverage with two interceptions and nine passes defended in his career. You can't say that about many players who switch between defensive end and outside linebacker, but Bowser has an incredible skillset and would be a tremendous addition for any team looking for an upgrade on defense.

Pass rusher isn't the biggest need for the Denver Broncos, but it wouldn't hurt to consider drafting another pass rusher to help replace future Hall of Famer DeMarcus Ware. Bowser is a rising prospect in this year's NFL Draft, so if Denver was sincerely interested in his services, they would likely have to use their second round selection on him.  Is he worth it?  Let's take a look.

Tyus Bowser

Defensive End / Outside Linebacker, Senior — University of Houston

Height: 6'3" | Weight: 247 lbs. | Arm Length: 33 1/4" | Hands: 10 1/8"

40 Yard Dash: 4.65 seconds | Bench Press: 21 reps | Vertical: 37.5" | Broad Jump: 127"

Film Room and Highlights

Hart's Scouting Report

Positives: Versatile prospect with experience at defensive end and outside linebacker. Exceptional athlete with a former background in basketball — and was one of the top performers in every drill he did at the NFL Combine. Impressive physique and great length for his height. Explosive off the edge and is quick out of his stance. Fluid in coverage and has great change of direction skills. Consistently demonstrates ability to disengage and shed the opposition. Unchallenged effort on the field and makes the most of every snap. Saved his best for last (8 sacks, 12.5 TFL) in just eight games as a senior, which may indicate his best football is ahead of him.

Negatives: Only a two-year starter. Production should have been better for someone as athletically gifted as he is. Still learning the nuances of the game. Pass rush repertoire outside of his dip and rip is lacking. Has a lot of room for growth in respect to run defense. Senior campaign came to an end after he broke a bone in his face after an altercation with a teammate.

Overall: Day 2 prospect. Bowser’s inexperience shows up on tape with a lack of proper technique, but with proper coaching and a solidified position (preferably 3-4 OLB), Bowser can become a premier pass rushing threat in the league. There has been talk of him going as high as the first round, but I don't think there is enough consistency to his game or enough production to merit consideration that early.

Hart’s Pro Comparison: Bud Dupree

Does Tyus Bowser make sense for the Broncos?

With the retirement of DeMarcus Ware, the Denver Broncos lost a prolific pass rusher and team leader. They still have All-Pro Von Miller and rising star Shane Ray as starters for the 2017 campaign, as well as quality back-up Shaquil Barrett who could start for most teams in the league. Buried on the depth chart is second-year player Vontarrius Dora, who impressed in the pre-season last year and has a chance to make the squad as a reserve player.

There’s no doubt that Bowser would be a welcomed addition to the squad, it’s just a question of whether or not Denver should ignore larger needs and add another pass rusher before addressing them. 

Nevertheless, the Broncos would be wise to use one of their ten selections in this year’s draft on a prospect who can get after the quarterback. If a player like Bowser is there in the third round, I’d be thrilled if John Elway pulled the trigger, but the team has much more pressing needs to address in the first and second rounds of the draft.

As always, thank you for reading and here is today's offering of Horse Tracks.

Horse Tracks

Denver Broncos like their QBs, but also like the idea of drafting one
John Elway has drafted a QB in four of his six drafts with Denver, and it would be no surprise if he drafts another developmental prospect next month.

Trevor Siemian, Paxton Lynch will find plenty of pressure
John Elway said all along that Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch would compete for the QB job. How each handles the battle could determine who wins it.

Broncos Country, Elway must look in the mirror after misreading Romo saga
Five years after landing the greatest free agent in NFL history in Peyton Manning, John Elway looks mortal.

Report: Elway only wanted Romo if he could bring title
As much confidence as John Elway and new coach Vance Joseph have in young QBs Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch, the Broncos would've been interested in Tony Romo under the right conditions.

Winners and losers from Tony Romo's retirement
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is choosing retirement over one final dance with the Texans, Broncos or fill-in-the-blank. Here are some winners and losers on the heels of Romo's big decision.

Report: Amazon to stream 'Thursday Night Football'
The NFL is bringing a new meaning to 'prime time.' After a run with Twitter in 2016, 'Thursday Night Football' is shifting to Amazon, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal.

Ravens trade Timmy Jernigan to Eagles for draft pick
Philadelphia has acquired DT Timmy Jernigan and the No. 99 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft from Baltimore in exchange for the draft's No. 74 overall selection.