2017 NFL Draft preview: Tyus Bowser

It is blatantly obvious that the Miami Dolphins must add linebacker depth to the roster from the upcoming draft. There is a talented linebacker coming out of Houston that just might fill the void for the Dolphins, should they pursue him?

In today’s NFL, many fans of the game seem to think that outside linebackers in a 3-4 scheme would automatically translate to defensive ends in a 4-3 scheme. But the truth is that it depends on each player. Some collegiate players rotate back and forth between OLB and DE, stuffing the stat sheet with a decent sack total. The number of sacks leads some to believe that they are true edge rushers, but it very well could be just another part of their game.

The University of Houston had a star on the field last year in Tyus Bowser. The effective OLB spent a lot of time getting after quarterbacks and a lot of time dropping back in coverage; the true definition of a 3-4 OLB.

Bowser is an amazing athlete, playing both basketball and football during his time at UH. He is incredibly gifted at flying off the line of scrimmage and bending the edge to get the quarterback. He could use work with technique, an obvious realization when you watch some of his film. But due to his late commitment to the sport, he hasn’t fully revealed how great he can be.

His knocks as an edge rusher are that he does not have the size or mechanics to be efficient, but he has elite athleticism. Well how about we find a position for him that plays to his strengths?

He has the size-speed combination to effectively drop back and cover tight ends and man the midfield. This pairs with his extreme athleticism and body control to make him a productive NFL outside linebacker of any kind. In a 4-3 scheme, I see him becoming a SAM linebacker (strong side). Although he is not used to the position, he is used to everything the position asks him to do.

For the Dolphins, Bowser can drop back and stick with Rob Gronkowski all over the field, and the very next play he could be pushing Tom Brady out of the pocket, towards Kiko Alonso. After teams realize how disruptive he is, double-teaming will only give Cam Wake and Ndamukong Suh an easier path to the QB.

The question: Can Tyus Bowser make the successful transition to a full-time linebacker?

The answer: LOL. Tyus Bowser will wreak havoc if you insert the element of surprise into his game. His move to linebacker will give the defense a great player with position flexibility, which only adds to a player’s overall effectiveness.

Then it comes down to where to draft the young man. A first round pick might be a little to desperate, especially at 22 overall. Does he have the talent? Yes. Can we snag him in round two? Very Likely. Bowser will give the dolphins- or any team for that matter- an opportunity to grab a 1st round talent in the 2nd round.

To sum it up… Bowser is disruptive. Bowser is lethal. Bowser is underrated. Bowser will produce.

For more information on the draft and the Miami Dolphins, follow me on twitter @masonhicks21