Baltimore Ravens: Is Tyus Bowser in store for a breakout 2020?

Tyus Bowser is entering a contract year for the Baltimore Ravens. He’s been underwhelming over his first three years, but could he breakout in 2020?

A common trend in the NFL is seeing players have career years in the final season of their rookie contracts. It happens every year and the Baltimore Ravens are no exception. The most recent example was Za’Darius Smith, who recorded a then-career best 8.5 sacks in his final season in Baltimore. He went on to sign a four-year $66 million deal with the Green Bay Packers. The Ravens seemingly have someone do this every year and it has us wondering who the next guy to do it may be. Could that guy be Tyus Bowser?

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Bowser was a second-round pick back in 2017 out of the University of Houston. While he was far from elite with the Cougars, Bowser still recorded 14.5 sacks and 19 TFLs over his final two years. Where he stood out significantly was in coverage off the edge. His skillset was enough for the Ravens to take a flier on him in the top-50 picks.

Tyus Bowser’s rookie year was underwhelming considering his draft status, but he flashed some upside to be the athlete Baltimore believed it was getting. Bowser won Defensive Rookie of the Week honors in week two against the Cleveland Browns. Bowser recorded two tackles, one sack, and had a crucial interception of Kevin Hogan. He finished his rookie year with 11 tackles, three sacks, and one interception.

Bowser was non-existent as a sophomore, recording just 11 tackles and a 0.5 sack in seven games. Expectations were set dramatically low following this, and Bowser was beginning to look like another wasted second-round pick that Baltimore flunked on.

However, 2019 was far from a bad season for Tyus Bowser. In fact, Bowser recorded five sacks, good enough for second place on the team only behind Matt Judon. Bowser stepped up when injuries befell the edge-rushing spot and looked like he may be ready to turn his career around.

Bowser will once again enter the season as a backup, but he is one of the Ravens most intriguing back up options. What Bowser brings to the table as an overall athlete should entice Baltimore to get him more snaps. He remains adept in coverage but showed significant growth last season. Perhaps we will see him put it all together in 2020, even in a reserve role.

The Baltimore Ravens have seen this story before and it wouldn’t be the least bit surprising to see it play out once again for Tyus Bowser. Bowser seems primed to silence his doubters and live up to his draft status. His play could end up putting the Ravens front-seven and pass rush over the top.