2011 NFL Draft: Denver Broncos Reportedly Leaning Toward Da'Quan Bowers

The 2011 NFL Draft speculation is heating up already, with plenty of rumors about potential top selections Nick Fairley and Da'Quan Bowers.

With the first overall selection in this year's draft, the Carolina Panthers are showing no signs of what player they are looking at the most right now.

Even though the Panthers haven't made up their minds, it seems the Denver Broncos are nearing a conclusion about what direction it will go in.

According to Wes Bunting of the National Football Post, the Broncos are leaning toward Da'Quan Bowers at the moment.

According to his Twitter account: "Hearing the Broncos are starting to lean more toward DE Da'Quan Bowers with that number 2 pick, move to 43, he makes perfect sense #NFLDRAFT."

It doesn't seem too long ago that Bowers was rated the best college prospect in America before coming to the University of Clemson.

Now, he is likely to be one of the top two selections in this year's draft. His size and athleticism for a defensive end are rare and show signs of being an immediate threat in his rookie year.

This move could catch people off guard, because Pro Bowl defensive end Elvis Dumervil has been putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks for a few years.

However, drafting Bowers would help complete one part of the defense for John Fox.

The defense needs an overhaul, but small steps need to be made in this process. By drafting Bowers, the Broncos will have two good, young pass rushers who will be a part of a turnaround for one of the league's historic franchises.

I am an NFL Featured Columnist for BleacherReport.com. Follow me on twitter: twitter.com/MattMiselis and feel free to shoot me an email with questions/comments.