For a 2 or 3 year deal at ok money, he could be a sleeper for us. He is about the same age as Thomas and Porter. OLB-DE DAVID BOWENS (6-2 1/8, 255, 4.85) Western Illinois Notes: An All-America pass-rushing linebacker in high school. Played at Michigan in 1995 and ?96. Had 30 tackles and four sacks as a freshman outside linebacker. Started 11-of-12 games and led Michigan in sacks with 11 in ?96, when he was a stand-up, pass-rushing outside linebacker. Did not play in ?97 and was not eligible at Western Illinois until the third game of the ?98 season. An instant-impact player at Western Illinois who had 134 tackles, 37 tackles for loss and 14 sacks (including playoff games) while playing as a down defensive end. Was named to the All-Gateway Conference team and honored as the Gateway?s Defensive Newcomer of the Year. Positives: Fine athlete. Has good functional football strength. Plays much faster than he times. Excellent pass rusher coming off the edge. Has a great burst up the field and the range to chase plays down. Was dominating as a sophomore at Michigan. Is athletic enough to play up. Negatives: May be a bit of a DE-OLB tweener now but, at Michigan, looked athletic enough to be a ?backer. Has rarely dropped into coverage and is too small to hold the point vs. the run as a down lineman. Summary: A mobile, athletic player who can make an impact rushing the passer.
At the very least he'd be a good depth signing and upgrade over Chatham. You look at the Patriots, Steelers and Ravens (prior to this past year), three teams that have been the model for a 3-4 defense and they have a ton of linebackers that they can rotate in without missing a beat.
