Could Tyus Bowser be a future Giant? The back-page sports writes probably hope so!

For those of us who grew up on Super Mario World, Houston Cougars’ Defensive end and outside linebacker Tyus Bowser has the best name for a defender in the draft.

Like several other promising prospects this year, Bowser’s name wasn’t widely known until a strong week against big-school competition at the Senior Bowl.

The New York Giants are trying to keep their defense together. But even though it was ranked 10th in yards, 3rd in rushing, and 2nd in points allowed, they were 23rd in passing yards allowed, so they can still improve. One area that could still stand improvement is the pass rush. While the Giants might not be able to afford to spend a premium pick in the draft to upgrade that pass rush, they might be able to spend a 2nd day pick, depending on how the draft develops.

Coming from a smaller school, Bowser could be a prospect who falls. Is he on the Giants’ radar?

Measurables

Pros

• Explosive athlete. One of the most athletic linebackers or edge players at the NFL scouting combine. Showes a great first step and fluid movement
• Quick and relentless in pursuit. Motor never seems to wind down and he never gives up on a play.
• Violent hands. Flashes the ability to make much larger blockers rock back at first contact.
• Versatile. Bowser could play defensive end, stand-up defensive end (or “elephant” linebacker) or SAM linebacker
• Moves well in space. He has the ability to drop into zone coverage in blitz schemes

Cons

• Is undersized to be a regular defensive end in the NFL. Teams might be wary of asking him to add mass for fear of compromising his athleticism.
• Needs to be stouter against the run.
• Generally played against a lower level of competition.
• Doesn’t yet have the production to match his athletic abilities.
• Missed the first month of the 2016 season with a broken orbital bone after a fight with a teammate.

Does He Fit With The Giants?

That is a definite “Maybe”.

Bowser would likely play a similar role in the Giants’ defense as Devon Kennard -- a strong-side linebacker on base downs who could play the defensive line in pass rushing situations. Bowser is best used close to the line of scrimmage, and with his power and athleticism, he doesn’t need to be protected by a defensive lineman; perfect for the SAM position in a 4-3 Under front.

As of right now, he is probably a stand-up rusher in a 3-4 front, which would allow the defensive coordinator the freedom to move him around the front and force offenses to find him.

Prospect Video

Big Board Rankings

Big Blue View - Not in Top 100

Mocking The Draft - N/A

CBS Sports - N/A

Draft Countdown - 86th overall

Draft Tek - 77th overall

Final Thoughts

Bowsers’ is a name to watch as the remainder of the draft process unfolds. Players with his athleticism don’t come around often, and the fact that he comes out of a smaller school makes him that much more intriguing.

Bowser could fit in almost any defensive scheme, but he has the traits to potentially play a “Khalil Mack” role in a hybrid defense. He has the frame to potentially play at over 250 pounds without any loss of athleticism. At that weight he could freely transition from defensive end, to stand-up rusher, to outside linebacker and terrorize offenses from all over the field.

Of course, him being that kind of player at the next level isn’t assured. However, the potential of what he could be will almost certainly see him drafted by the end of the second day of the draft, and perhaps sooner rather than later.