2011 NFL Draft: J.J. Watt as DE for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

Don't know if you watched the Clemson vs. South Florida bowl game but if you did, you had to be terribly unimpressed with Da'Quan Bowers, the guy who is supposed to be the top defensive end prospect in the 2011 NFL Draft.

South Florida totally neutralized the guy. He was no factor, none, zip, nada. You'd think he'd look like a world-beater if he were truly the top defensive end prospect in all the land.

What this all means is that it wouldn't be heartbreaking if he were gone long before the Tampa Bay Buccaneers use the 20th pick in the first round to perhaps shore up their defense, and perhaps select a defensive end.

Now Raheem Morris has gone on the record and warned against drafting for need. Morris, like most of the good ones, probably wants the best available player when it's time to pick.

But the fact is, he needs someone who can produce—someone who can rush the passer—and this draft is reportedly deep when it comes to defensive ends.

We've already mentioned Bowers, but Aldon Smith of Missouri is rapidly climbing on the draft boards of some teams. He's 6'5", 260 and they'll be looking hard at his combine workout, for whatever that's worth.

Combine workouts can be so very deceiving—beware the "combine freak." Got two words for you—Mike Mamula.

Robert Quinn of North Carolina is a 6'5", 270-pound specimen with a good motor but he may go before the 20th pick, as might Cam Jordan (6'4", 280) from Cal.

Ohio State Cameron Heyward, son of Ironhead, should be a first-round pick. He had a good, solid year for the Buckeyes and is 6'5", 288.

So how about Mr. Wisconsin—J.J. Watt?

I love this guy. Great motor, really good athlete and at 6'6" and 290, has really wonderful size as well. He gets my vote, which counts for nothing. Only Morris and Dominik know which direction they may be going.

So the list may look like this:

1. Aldon Smith (Missouri)

2. Da'Quan Bowers (Clemson)

3. Robert Quinn (North Carolina)

4. Cam Jordan (California)

5. J.J. Watt (Wisconsin)

6. Cam Heyward (Ohio State)

For what it's worth, Watt gets my vote. Who gets yours?