2011 NFL Mock Draft: Todd McShay Thinks Buccaneers Will Take Da'Quan Bowers

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Todd McShay's 2011 NFL Mock Draft Has Bowers Going to Tampa Bay

It wasn't all that long ago that we were talking up Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers as a potential No. 1 overall pick. After all, he led the country with 15.5 sacks in 2010, and he has all the things you look for in an elite edge rusher.

Then came the concerns over his surgically repaired knee, and Bowers' stock began to tumble. At this point, it's doubtful that he'll crack the Top 10, and ESPN's Todd McShay has him dropping all the way to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 20 in his most recent 2011 NFL Mock Draft (can only be accessed with ESPN Insider).

Bowers has insisted that his knee is fine, but McShay doesn't seem to buy it:

Bowers is not nearly as much of a risk here as he would be even 5-7 picks earlier. He's a top-10 talent who could very well be available because of the legitimate concerns about his knee.

MUST READ: 2011 NFL Mock Draft: Mocking the Complete First Round with Teams' Needs 4.0

Personally, I'm going to be very surprised if Bowers falls this far. If he does, however, the Buccaneers won't hesitate to pick him. They had just 26 sacks all season in 2010, and they are in dire need of a 4-3 defensive end that can get to the quarterback.

If the Bucs land Bowers and his knee turns out to be fine, this is going to end up being the steal of the draft.

Grade: A-

My Pick: Adrian Clayborn

I don't think Bowers falls to the Bucs. If he doesn't, Clayborn is the next best option.

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