2011 NFL Draft: Can Da'Quan Bowers Slip to the New England Patriots?

Former Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers was spotted today at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough paying a visit to the New England Patriots' scouting department, according to the Boston Herald. 

Bowers, who was once projected to go in the top five of the 2011 NFL Draft, is now seeing his stock decline as recent news has arisen regarding a possible knee issue.

Bowers was unable to participate in multiple workouts at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. Joe Flanagan, who represents Bowers, has denied all reports regarding Bowers' right knee being a major issue after he had surgery on it in January. 

According to multiple draft experts and insiders, Bowers' stock is definitely dropping—but how far? Will he fall far enough for New England to take a shot at him at 17th overall? 

If Bowers falls to the Patriots, the only way Bill Belichick will draft him is if he's 100 percent positive the knee will not be an issue.

But if it's not an issue, then why would he have fallen that far?

Either way, when Bowers visited Gillette Stadium, the Patriots most likely did some research on any possible injury. If Bowers' knee checks out fine, should New England take him at 17th overall if he's available?

If they do, what will Bowers bring to the table? Will he be a first-year impact player?

Strengths

Bowers is the all-in-one defensive end package. Along with great size, power and speed, he's stout against the run and very effective against the pass. Bowers is very well-rounded. 

Under Belichick, the New England Patriots run a 3-4 defensive alignment, which means Bowers would line up at five-technique. That'd be a perfect spot for him. 

Many scouts have speculated he might be able to line up as a 3-4 outside linebacker in some situations due to his great athleticism—from my interpretation, possibly an "elephant" position similar to that of former Patriots defensive end and outside linebacker Willie McGinest. 

Bowers has a nice arsenal of moves such as the swim and rip move, and he's an even better bull-rusher.

He's projected to be so explosive that he will demand a double team nearly every single down—that's how good he could be. 

As for production, Bowers was one of the best in 2010. He recorded the most sacks in the FBS, with 15, and also brought down 25 players for a loss to go along with his 66 tackles. 

Weaknesses

Again, the major concern about Bowers is his right knee. Bowers had surgery on it back in January; according to some it could be a chronic injury, but others have said it's not an issue. 

Besides the knee, Bowers tends to play "high" on some plays and will need to play much lower to gain better leverage on his blocker. 

While being naturally gifted, Bowers wasn't as productive in his first two seasons at Clemson. 

Conclusion

If healthy, Bowers will emerge as one of the NFL's elite defensive ends in the next few seasons—that's how good he is. 

If Bowers' stock continues to stay low, I'm hoping Belichick will take a shot at him—as long as he's healthy, obviously.

New England really needs a talented pass rusher who's a well-rounded player. Bowers is a playmaker, which New England's defense lacks, and he'd fit in perfectly alongside nose tackle Vince Wilfork.  

Bowers would be a great upgrade from Gerrard Warren and a nice asset and building block moving forward.

This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net. Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @TonySantorsa.