James Cowser’s list of accomplishments is exceptional.
The 6-foot-3, 248-pounder was one of the best defensive players in college football as a junior in 2014 with an amazing 28½ tackles for loss and 11½ sacks. Then, in his senior season, he had 19 tackles for loss, 13 sacks and four forced fumbles.
One scouting report on Cowser describes him as having a “high-end motor that never stops.” He is simply relentless.
However, Cowser’s feats came at Southern Utah against second-tier college competition in the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly known as 1-AA) and he went undrafted in the recent selection process.
Cowser was signed by Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie, however. Based on initial reports he could be a bonus pick for the franchise.
He was a standout of the team’s recent three-day rookie minicamp. The Raiders are stacked along the defensive front seven, but Cowser’s skill set may earn him a backup spot on the defensive line with a strong training camp and exhibition season. The question is, can he take the big step up from the Big Sky Conference to the NFL?
Eddie Paskal, writing for the Raiders website, wrote that Cowser’s athleticism jumped out to observers during rookie camp.
Raiders
“The hybrid defensive lineman/linebacker has been a disruptive force on the defense and constantly seems to be around the ball,” wrote Paskal. “While he may not be a finished product as of now, Cowser has definitely been one of the players that has stood out. … Every rep he takes, his speed and burst are evident.”
Cowser told Terrance Biggs of Yahoo Sports recently that he met with the Raiders at the NFL Combine and came away impressed with team representatives and coaches. He says he believes he has the skills and versatility to win a job on the roster.
“I can rush the passer from D-end or from a linebacker spot,” he told Biggs. “My quickness allows me to turn and run with opponents or drop into coverage. I will play special teams. Basically, I want to make this team and will do anything asked by coaches to accomplish this.”
