Ravens: Tyus Bowser welcoming role as veteran leader on defense

The Baltimore Ravens will be expecting outside linebacker Tyus Bowser to step up and play a much more important role in 2021, both on and off the field.

Following the departures of Matt Judon and Yannick Ngakoue in the offseason, Bowser will be tasked with filling the large hole that their absences leave in the defense.

But not only will he have to make up for their on-field production, but he’ll be forced to take on more of a leadership role — especially with Judon now gone.

And it’s safe to say that Bowser is more than embracing the challenge.

Tyus Bowser is becoming a vocal leader for the Baltimore Ravens.

Speaking with reporters on Thursday, Bowser detailed his increased role, both on the field and in the locker room. And he insisted that he’s excited about the opportunity.

"“One of my main focuses this offseason, especially this year, is just being more of a vocal leader. I’ve always been a guy to go out there and put my play on the field and to just be a leader like that. So, just being a veteran coming into that new role, especially with a lot of young guys and upcoming guys.”"

A second-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Bowser has seen his role increase with each subsequent season and he was on the field for more than 50 percent of defensive snaps last year.

Now, with Judon and Ngakoue out of the picture, that role is only expected to increase.

Bowser re-signed with Baltimore on a relative bargain of a deal, returning on a four-year contract worth up to $27 million with incentives.

While he may not be the pass-rusher that someone like Ngakoue is, Bowser is a well-rounded linebacker with a versatile skill set. He remains one of the most underrated players on the roster.

And with a relatively inexperienced outside linebacker corps — aside from veteran Pernell McPhee — Bowser’s experience should prove pivotal this season.

Baltimore added both Odafe Oweh and Daelin Hayes in the 2021 NFL Draft and they’ll be joined by underwhelming former third-round pick Jaylon Ferguson to round out an unproven crop of outside linebackers.

In particular, Bowser spoke highly of Hayes, who could very well serve as his primary backup at the SAM position.

"“Daelin kind of gives me an impression of me when I was coming into the league. Just [with] how mobile he is, how well he can move, how well he can get the defense down.”"

While McPhee is the true veteran leader of the outside linebacker group, he has been absent from OTAs as he tends to his sick great grandmother. That’s left Bowser as the de facto leader and he isn’t shying away from the role.

The Ravens expect big things from Tyus Bowser in 2021, and he’s more than prepared to meet those lofty expectations.