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Baltimore Ravens Select Tyus Bowser: Instant Reaction

By Joe Schiller

Sep 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars linebacker Tyus Bowser (81) defends as Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) attempts a pass during the game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars linebacker Tyus Bowser (81) defends as Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) attempts a pass during the game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Ravens have selected OLB Tyus Bowser with the #47 pick in the NFL Draft

After missing out on a pass rusher in the first round of the draft, the Baltimore Ravens have finally addressed a major need. They have selected pass rusher Tyus Bowser out of the University of Houston.

Pass rusher was arguably the Ravens biggest need coming into the draft so it is nice to see them take one. With Elvis Dumervil gone and an aging Terrell Suggs, a pass rusher is much needed.  Like Marlon Humphrey in the first round, it is a great value pick for the Ravens were they stand. As it stands they now have five picks left in the NFL Draft.

Bowser is a tremendous talent. He had some of the top scores as a pass rusher at the NFL combine. This included a 4.65 40-yard-dash, a 37.5 inch vertical jump and a 127 inch broad jump. He has the ability to come in and start along Suggs on the other side of the defense. My only a concern is that he is a bit undersized 6’3″ and 247 pounds, but he makes up for it with his explosive play. Not only did Bowser play football  but he played on the basketball team during his two years at Houston.

During his final year at Houston he put up very good numbers for only playing eight games. A scuffle with a teammate during the season ended with a broken orbital bone. Nevertheless, he still finished with 47 tackles and 8.5 sacks. Going up against bigger tackles in the NFL could pose a problem, but his quick speed allows him to get around them. I really really like this pick by the Ravens.

Next: NFL Draft: Ebony Board Big Board Prospects 51-100

No love for the offense?

By taking Bowser, the Ravens have gone with defense with their first two picks. The next biggest need after pass rusher is wide receiver. Only one receiver has gone this round and that is Zay Jones out of Eastern Carolina. It seemed like wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster would have been a target for the Ravens at 47. Many people will argue that Joe Flacco needs some targets to throw to. If the Ravens do not select a offensive player with one of their next few picks, fans are going to go crazy. I have no problem with them waiting to draft a wide receiver because there is still plenty of talent available. Ozzie and the front office understand the needs of the team and will address it today.

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