Green Bay Packers 2016 Draft prospect: Interview with Southern Utah defensive end James Cowser

Today, we continue our Green Bay Packers draft prospect interview series by hearing from 2016 prospect and former Southern Utah defensive end James Cowser.

Listed at 6-foot-3 and 248 pounds, Cowser fits the mold as an NFL edge rusher who’s versatile enough to play either defensive end or 3-4 outside linebacker.

At Southern Utah, Cowser set FCS career records in sacks (42.5) and tackles for loss (80), and after an impressive combine performance in Indianapolis last week, where Cowser ran a 4.82 forty and a position-best 6.80 three-cone time, the Utah native is climbing up draft boards.

Cowser was the most dominant defensive player in the Big Sky conference over the past two years, and now looking ahead to the draft, he projects as a potential day two or early day three prospect. Given his athleticism and explosive ability, Cowser’s best fit in the NFL may be as an outside rush backer in a 3-4 front.

The Packers could be a possible landing spot for the former Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year. Green Bay needs to add another pass rusher to their roster, and Cowser’s versatility could be a real asset to their front seven.

Considering the potential fit with the Packers, I recently reached out to Cowser to get his take on his game, his impressive production in college, and how he’d feel about playing linebacker in the NFL.

Cowser was kind enough to take the time to answer my questions, and here’s what he had to say about his strengths as a player, his fit in the NFL, and how he’d feel about playing for the Packers.

James Cowser Q&A

Q. First, tell us a little bit about your background. How did you first get into football and what led you to play defensive end?

Cowser: I started football when I was pretty young… third or fourth grade I believe. I was always bigger than my friends, so I played up a couple of years until junior high. That’s probably why I played defensive line, because I was just bigger than other kids and I filled a need, haha.

Q. You were named the 2015 Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year and played a key role on the top defense in your conference. What has your time playing for Southern Utah meant to you? 

Cowser: My time at SUU has been so special to me. To play at a small school with an even smaller budget and win conference is a memory that I’ll never forget. The coaches, my teammates, and the people in the community really made my time an amazing experience.

Q. What is your favorite game or moment in your collegiate career?

Cowser: Winning conference is my favorite, by far. To have the hard work be rewarded in that way was too special.

Q. For those not familiar with your collegiate career, describe to us your style of play. What are your strengths as a defensive end?

Cowser: My style of play is I use my speed and athleticism to make plays. I think my athleticism mixed with my ability to break down an opponent is my strength. I can win athletically, but at the same time not everything is going to work on every opponent. So, I think over the course of a week/game I can figure out an opponent quickly and attack that.

Q. What makes you unique at the position?

Cowser: I think my mentality makes me unique. I’m one of the most competitive people that I have ever met, and I believe that helps me in preparation and gameplay.

Q. What do you feel is the most underrated aspect of your game?

Cowser: Explosiveness. I feel my get off and explosion are good, but underrated.

Q. Are there any NFL players (past or present) who you study, model your game after, or feel you draw comparisons to?

Cowser: This is always a tough questions for me.  I loved watching Clay Matthews come of the edge until he moved inside. I have drawn a lot of Jared Allen comparisons lately. I think those came because I broke a few of his Big Sky records.

Q. A lot of NFL teams, like the Packers, run a 3-4 defensive scheme and look to draft athletic college defensive ends and play them as pass-rushing outside linebackers. Do you feel you could make this transition to outside backer if a team like the Packers draft you this spring? 

Cowser: I really do believe I can make that change. Being my size, I think that it’s a great fit. It definitely fits my style of play.

Q. What would be some of the challenges make this type of position switch?

Cowser: I think just getting used to being out in coverage is an initial challenge. However, I’ve done it a bit in college, so I think I will learn fast.

Q. With the draft less than two months away, what areas of your game have you been working on improving this spring?

Cowser: I’ve been working on sharpening up technically a bit. I want to continue working on being really comfortable dropping into coverage as well.

Q. The Packers will be looking to add another pass rusher to their front seven in their draft, and you’re a guy that could be on their radar. What could you bring to their defense if they did indeed draft you?

Cowser: I believe that beyond bringing an athletic player who can make plays to the team, I can bring leadership and an attitude of excellence to the team.

Q. How would you feel about playing in Green Bay if it came to that?

Cowser: It would be more than amazing to play for Green Bay. It has such tradition as well has an amazing fan base.

Q. What could you learn from playing alongside players like Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers?

Cowser: They are some of the best to ever do it in the history of football. There are countless things to learn from them. Beyond technical aspects, it would be great to learn how they take care of business off the field as well.

Q. Regardless of who drafts you, what will that moment mean to you when you finally hear your name called and you’re officially in the NFL?

Cowser: I’m expecting it to be a mixture of excitement and incredible joy, as well as a bit of relief. Then I am expecting a feeling of urgency because the draft really is just the start of the journey.

Q. As a player, do you have any specific expectations when it comes to the draft?

Cowser: Honestly, I’m not incredibly certain as to what will come. I’m just looking forward to working hard these next few months and giving myself the best chance to show teams what I can do on the field.

Q. Tell us a little more about yourself. When you’re away from football, what do you like to do in your free time? Any favorite hobbies?

Cowser: Really, I love all sports. They occupy my time and mind most of the time. I enjoy competing . . . sports allow me to do that whether it’s volleyball, baseball, bowling, etc. It doesn’t matter. Everything turns into a game for me and my friends, even if it’s just seeing who can throw their trash into the garbage can first, haha. Aside from sports, I also enjoy music (I play a little guitar) and drawing.  They really help me relax and just enjoy time.

Q. Finally, is there anything else you’d like Packers fans to know about you before I let you go?

Cowser: I’m just looking forward to working hard and having a good time with this whole process.  Thank you for reaching out to me!

*I would like to thank James for taking the time to answer our questions. We wish him the best.

Next: Latest Packers seven-round mock draft

Check out previous Prospect Q&As:

Juston Burris, CB, NC State
Luke Rhodes, LB, William & Mary
Nick Vannett, TE, Ohio State
Kevin Byard, SS, Middle Tennessee State
Devon Cajuste, WR, Stanford
Joe Schobert, OLB, Wisconsin