Under The Radar Draft Pick: Tay Gowan, DB, Arizona Cardinals
Not many people would expect themselves to wind up in El Dorado, Kansas on their path to the NFL, but that was one stop of many on Tay Gowan’s collegiate career. The 6’2”, 185-lb Arizona Cardinals DB began his college career at Miami University (Ohio), but after 2 seasons of relatively no playing time, Gowan left to El Dorado, Kansas and Butler Community College. Gowan found success at BCC, picking off 6 passes and earning All-Conference honors.
After a successful year at Butler, Gowan transferred to UCF. In his lone season at UCF in 2019, Gowan showcased his physical abilities at the CB position. Gowan has the size and physicality to interrupt receivers’ routes off the line and make every play a physical one. Gowan opted out of the 2020 NCAA season due to concerns around COVID-19, but his play in 2019 was good enough for the Cardinals to draft him in the 6th Round. Gowan started 12 of UCF’s 13 games, picked off two passes,and deflected 8 more in the 2019 season.
Because of Gowan’s size and playmaking abilities, the Sixth Round is a STEAL for Gowan. In 2019, Gowan allowed a 26.2 passer rating in single coverage. This was good enough for 2nd-best in all of college football. Gowan may have slipped through the cracks after opting out of the 2020 season, but one Gowan takes time and learns the Cardinals defense, expect him to receive playing time and make a difference for the Cardinals in the NFC West race.
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