2017 New Orleans Saints Draft Targets: Tyus Bowser

We’re continuing our series that will focus on some prospective targets that could be on the New Orleans Saints draft board at the end of the month. The potential targets could be found anywhere in the draft, and there’s no set order in which they will come out. The focus is to bring attention to where they can help the Saints most heading into 2017. Some will make more sense than others.

The Saints need help at almost every position on the defense, with a pass rusher almost certainly atop that list. Today’s focus is on one of the most fun names in the draft: Houstons’s Tyus Bowser, a potential fit for the New Orleans Saints any where after the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Measurables & Combine Results

• Height: 6-foot-3
• Weight: 247 pounds
• Hands: 10 1/8”
• Arms: 33 1/4”
• 40-Yard Dash: 4.65 seconds
• Bench Press: 21 reps
• Vertical: 37.5”
• Broad Jump: 127.0”
• 3-Cone Drill: 6.75 seconds

Pro Comparisons: Eli Harold (49ers), Connor Barwin (Rams)

John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

How He Could Help the Saints

The athletic Tyus Bowser has been shooting up draft board ever since an impressive showing at the Senior Bowl. He is a physically-gifted athlete with speed and agility uncommon for his size. In 2016, Bowser recorded seven sacks with only half the playing time as an edge rusher of a full-time pass-rushing specialist.

Bowser is still relatively green at the position and can tend to manhandled by physical Running Backs and Offensive Linemen. With opposing offenses having to account for Saints DE Cam Jordan on the other side of the line, though, Bowser might be able to continue to grow as a edge rusher in the NFL.

Like the pro comparison listed above, Bowser is also no slouch when forced into coverage. With his lateral quickness and good closing speed he can line up against average receivers with tight coverage and strong tackling.

Outlook

It’s no question that the Saints need help on defense, starting with someone to help Cam Jordan rush opposing QBs. Bowser has shown he has all of the potential in the world to become an above-average edge rusher in the NFL, but it is merely that at this point: potential. With his lack of physicality and inconsistent play in all four years of college ball, Bowser has as equally low a floor as he does a high ceiling.

Outside of the first round, Bowser could end up being a great value pick that we look back on in years to come and view as a major draft steal, even if he’s selected as early as the second round. We can only hope next year we can find some Koopa Troopas in free agency to help him out.