2011 NFL mock drafts are streaming in and one of the more interesting picks is Clemson DE Da'Quan Bowers. The 6'4", 280 pound defensive end is going to end up being a top 10 pick -- maybe even the top pick overall. Two weeks ago, SB Nation's 2011 NFL mock draft had him going No. 1 overall to the Panthers shortly after Andrew Luck decided to stay at Stanford.
2011 NFL Mock Drafts On Clemson DE Da’Quan Bowers Vary
Where will he go now? We’re not sure exactly where but various mock drafts we’re seeing have him rated very high.
SBNation.com (No. 6, Browns): "Dick Jauron is in the fold as Cleveland's new defensive coordinator, so in addition to needing weapons for Colt McCoy, now they need to import 4-3 personnel. Bowers is a traditional 4-3 end that would be the cornerstone player in the team's new defensive system."
CBS Sports Rob Rang (No. 6, Browns): "With Eric Mangini as their head coach and Rob Ryan as their defensive coordinator, the Cleveland Browns ran the 3-4 defense last season. The team switching to the 4-3 scheme that team president Mike Holmgren, general manager Tom Heckert and new head coach Pat Shurmur are more familiar with is likely. The Browns would be fortunate to have Bowers, the nation's leading pass rusher (15.5 sacks) and the top 4-3 defensive end in this draft, slip to them here."
CBS Sports Chad Reuter (No. 1, Panthers): “Auburn DT Nick Fairley should be the pick based solely on Carolina’s needs. Concerns about Fairley’s work ethic will work against him, and Bowers’ character is respected by scouts. The Panthers would love to have a strong-side end who can play the run and pressure opposing quarterbacks.”
Draft Tek (No. 4, Bengals): "Getting (arguably) the best player in the entire draft at #4 overall? Yes, please. The Tigers superstar is considered a superb run-stuffer and could play either DT or DE, his more natural position. He also provides scheme flexibility as it is believed he could excel at DE in either a 4-3 or 3-4, good news for the Bengals. While he possesses natural talent and skills, he does need some refining. He plays a bit high and is inconsistent, two things that can be corrected. Bowers is explosive and a better pro prospect than the late Gaines Adams, a fellow Clemson standout drafted 4th overall in 2007 (Bucs) (and sadly passed away one year ago)."
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