From now until the 2019 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
#9 Byron Cowart/DE/6’3 298 lbs
The Good:
- Uses hands well to swipe inside offensive tackles
- Powerful upper body
- Gets off blocks quickly to stop the run
- Powerful punch
- Long reach 33 ¾” arms
- Can dominant once he gets his long arms under the pads of linemen
- Good awareness on batted balls
- Competitive player
- Good hustle
The Bad:
- Not very athletic
- Looks stiff off the snap, footwork very sluggish
- Lacks instincts to quickly diagnose the run
- Might be better suited as 3-4 DE rather than 4-3 DE
- Can be bullied off the line
- Lower base needs to match upper body in explosiveness
- Limited pass rush potential
Bio:
- 2018: 38 tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, 3 sacks, 2 interceptions
- Career: 50 tackles, 6 tackles for a loss, 3 sacks, 2 interceptions
- Left Auburn in 2017, enrolled in Hillsborough Community College before heading to Maryland
- Was the nation’s top ranked recruit coming out of high school by ESPN and Rivals
- Five-star recruit
- Left Auburn due to mother’s health and lack of playing time
- 2019 Senior Bowl selection
Tape Breakdown:
Byron Cowart had it all.