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Come Fan with UsMonday, June 22, 2026

Da’Quan Bowers’ NFL Mock Draft Tumble Has Patriots’ Attention, Says Tampa Bay GM

Just a couple months ago, Clemson Tigers DE Da'Quan Bowers was a potential No. 1 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. But after knee problems, a surgery to correct the injury, a skipped NFL Combine and a shaky pro day performance, his draft projection has slid all the way to the middle of the first -- and beyond, according to some. Some team is going to have to take a risk, and it might be exactly who you'd think.

Peter King quotes Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Mark Dominik as saying, “New England’s got to be licking their chops at 17 about him.” The Pats have made a living of drafting players whom other teams are concerned about and usually making it work.

Of course, the Bucs could be tipping their own hand there, as they’re also being predicted to take a pass rusher by many and pick right behind New England at No. 20.

The first round of the 2011 NFL Draft starts at 8 p.m. (ET) on Thursday, April 28th and SB Nation has everything you need to prepare for it - NFL mock drafts, draft projections, scouting reports, the full NFL draft order and more. Check it all out at SB Nation’s NFL Draft Hub and our NFL Draft blog Mocking the Draft.

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