2011 NFL Draft: Would the Lions Take a Shot at a Stumbling Da'Quan Bowers?

Da'Quan Bowers was in the running to go first overall in the 2011 NFL draft leading up to the combine.

Once the top high school prospect, Bowers had an average impact at Clemson until his junior year.

Winning the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and the Bronko Nagurski Award, Bowers made his presence known.

There were always questions as to whether or not he was just a one-year wonder and if he could produce on the pro level.

However, he was still slated a top-five prospect on virtually every board.

Until concerns grew on his injury of his right knee.

Bowers and his agent, Joseph Flanagan, were always trying to downplay this injury.

However, as soon as the combine began and Bowers did not participate, Bowers' stock has been on a continuous free-fall.

Some speculate he could land out of the first round entirely after a poor pro day.

However, Lions' beat writer, Tom Kowalski, has reported that 13th pick could be Bowers' landing spot. "He's a top five talent and I think he'd be worth a shot at the No. 13 pick. I don't know all the particulars of his injury but as long as it's not career-ending, I'd take a shot."

Though this doesn't confirm Martin Mayhew is convinced Bowers is worth the risk, the pick makes sense.

Inserting Bowers into a line with Kyle Vanden Bosch and Ndamukong Suh could be dynamic.

At one time considered the best 4-3 end in the draft, at No. 13, if Bowers can get over injury, this could be the steal Detroit needs to finally compete in the NFC North.

Unless another player, such as Nebraska's Prince Amukamara is on the board, than Mayhew should pull the trigger and get Bowers in Honolulu blue.