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2. Run Defense
Run defense separates edge rushers from being situational pass rushers to three down players.
Here Fowler gets a tackle for loss on a miscommunication by the RG and RT on a blitz pickup. However, he does show great closing speed to take down the running back.
Fowler uses a good bull-jerk to disengage blockers to help him in run stopping like in this play.
Outside linebackers often have to take on left and right tackles to seal the edge, here Fowler does an excellent job holding his ground against the left tackle. Granted it’s a freshman left tackle.
However, against superior offensive lineman Fowler gets pushed out of play. Here Fowler’s pad height raises and Fowler completely loses leverage against the blocker.
Due to Fowler’s inability to hold the edge, he is much better suited at a one-gap role in a 3-4 Under or 3-4 Okie defense as opposed to a 3-4 Eagle defense. Fowler uses speed to shoot the gap, but misses the tackle. He needs to square up his shoulders to make the tackle properly. He does have good recovery pursuit after missing though.
The missed tackling issue seems to be a common problem for Fowler, which is unfortunate as he has so much potential if he can securely bring down the running back.
With the use of read-option plays, having read-and-react skills are becoming more and more important. Fowler watches the ball exchange in these following two plays but is slow actually reacting to them. Once the snap is pulled he needs to commit to stopping either the RB or the QB.
In this next play, Fowler bites on the zone read-option tackling the runningback instead of the quarterback who keeps the ball and escapes outside the pocket. This is exactly what the zone-read is designed to do. Once the edge defender (Fowler) is out of the play it’s a 1v1 situation with the safety on the outside for the quarterback. Give credit to the safety to make sure the quarterback doesn’t escape for a big gain on the play.
Fowler’s motor is extremely inconsistent. When the play is makeable and he’s playside, Fowler is excellent in pursuit going all out but too many times I was left feeling like he didn’t even attempt to take down the running back. It was consistent in the fact that when he doesn’t think he can make the play he stops trying all together. This is an AWFUL trait. In this play, Fowler is playing backside contain on this WR screen and doesn’t completely pursue and just watches.
This EASILY should have been a tackle for loss by Fowler but he just watches instead allowing the ball carrier to escape for a large gain on the play. Fowler eventually starts to pursue him, but it’s too late the WR is already free into space.
Here’s another play showing his lack of effort into hole. Fowler should run all out to hit the running back, but he doesn’t.
Here is the play read from his point of view. He reads the handoff in the first image.
http://i.imgur.com/wTdeBuA.jpg
And then doesn’t pursue completely even though the play is right in front of him.
http://i.imgur.com/GzKPWtz.jpg
Here’s a couple of plays showing much better effort when the play is in-front of him.
Finally, I’m going to show one last play. Against East Carolina, they run power right and Fowler knocks the left guard out cold with a devastating blow.
Pro Comparison and Draft Projection
Pro Comparison: This is one of the hardest comparisons so far in my edge rusher analysis of this year’s draft. People’s comparisons are all across the board with James Harrison, Khalil Mack, and Terrell Suggs among others. Suggs seems the most similar, but Suggs motor was relentless in college. Also, just like Khalil Mack, Suggs pass rush was MUCH more developed.
Draft Projection: Top 5-7 pick. Splash plays and ceiling will push him a lot higher than his current skill-set offers.
