Scouting Report: Weaknesses

• Size limitations show up when matching against bigger tight ends who can box him out at the catch point or bump him off leverage points.
• Tackling technique is alarmingly inconsistent with a career missed tackle rate exceeding 25%, often dropping his head and leaving his feet.
• Tends to get overaggressive pursuing run fits, creating cutback lanes when he loses gap discipline in his eagerness to make plays.
• Lacks the prototypical length for the safety position, limiting his catch radius when playing the ball and tackle radius when attempting to wrap up.
• Can appear hesitant when approaching runners in the alley, sometimes settling for low cut tackles rather than squaring up with proper form.

Scouting Report: Summary

Bowman brings a fascinating blend of ball-hawking instincts and positional versatility that will intrigue NFL defensive coordinators. When you watch him operate in zone coverage, his anticipation jumps off the screen – the way he baits quarterbacks, reads their eyes, and breaks on the ball with conviction. This playmaking knack is what separates him from other mid-round safety prospects. The flip side reveals a defender who needs significant technical refinement against the run, where his aggressive mindset doesn't always translate to consistent tackling production. His ranking outside the top 100 reflects this imbalance, though teams will covet his proven turnover production.

Defensive schemes that emphasize two-high safety looks will maximize Bowman's coverage strengths while minimizing his exposure in run support. He flashes enough physicality to suggest development potential, but early in his career, he'll need to be deployed strategically. The blazing 4.42 speed gives him legitimate range across the field, allowing him to cover ground and attack the ball in flight. Teams will fall in love with his football IQ and competitive fire, both of which show up repeatedly on film – whether he's slipping blocks in the slot or jumping a crossing route from deep middle.

The difference between Bowman developing into a solid starter versus a situational player hinges on his tackling technique. He flies around with an edge that defensive coaches love, showing genuine swagger in coverage and willingness to mix it up physically. With the right coaching staff that can harness his natural instincts while improving his fundamentals, Bowman could outperform his draft position considerably.