Zack Bowman Scouting Report

If not for multiple injuries suffered in the last year, Zack Bowman would likely be rated higher as a prospect. But, because of his size and great coverage skills, he should at least be a Day One pick. Bowman signed with Nebraska out of high school, but he had to spend two years in junior college in New Mexico, where he had an impressive 18 pass breakups as a freshman. He re-signed with Nebraska and made an immediate impact in 2005, recording 14 pass breakups and two interceptions to go along with 27 tackles - starting only the final five games. But, that's when the injury issues started. In fall practice before the 2006 season, Bowman tore his ACL and missed what was supposed to be his senior year. He decided to stay in Lincoln to finish out his collegiate career instead of entering the 2007 draft and suffered more injury woes in spring practice in March, rupturing the patella tendon in his right knee. But, he made an excellent recovery from both injuries and returned to the field in Nebraska's second game of the season. In 11 games, he had 29 tackles, one interception, and six pass breakups, despite starting only four games. If he can stay healthy, he could be a fine cover corner in the NFL with his size, cover skills, and speed (he ran a Nebraska cornerback record 4.36 40 in January '06, before his injury problems started). He may wind up going lower in the draft than he may have in 2007 with no injury issues, but he could be one of those high-risk, high-reward players if he can avoid the same bad luck in the NFL. The second round might be a bit high at this point, with so many other talented corners set to be in the draft pool, but it wouldn't be a surprise if someone took him there or soon after, if he can impress at the combine. Where he falls might come down to his 40 time at the combine and if his surgically repaired knees have any impact on how fast he is now. Update (3/14/08): At last month's combine, Bowman ran a sub 4.4 second 40-yard dash and at Nebraska's Pro Day on Wednesday, Bowman showcased his speed once again by running a 40-yard dash estimated between 4.32 and 4.4 seconds (according to Huskerextra.com). Bowman also had a vertical jump of 32 inches and a broad jump of 10 feet, 5 inches at the workout. Because of his injury history, Bowman projects to be a late-round pick; if he can stay away from injuries in the NFL, that could be a steal.