2011 NFL Draft: Is Da'Quan Bowers a Fit for the New England Patriots?

As the 2011 NFL Draft approaches, it is looking like a very real possibility that Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers, once considered a top-three prospect, could fall to the New England Patriots at pick No. 17.

The only question is: Does it matter?

After logging 36 total sacks of the quarterback in 2010 and just 31 the year before that, it's clear that the Patriots are looking to bolster their pass rush. Bowers looks like one of the best pass-rushing prospects in this draft class, having registered 15.5 sacks of the quarterback in 2010.

As such, Belichick is doing his diligence at the very least. According to Boston Herald's Ian Rapoport, the Patriots had Bowers in for an official visit last Thursday.

As both a dominating pass-rusher and a physical presence to set the edge in run defense, he's just the type of player the Patriots love to have in their front seven.

Here's where it gets murky.

Having only ever played with his hand in the dirt, there are obvious questions about his athleticism. Linebacker coverage on tight ends and running backs was a notable weak spot in the Patriots pass defense last year. Would he improve the defense in that sense?

Does he have the football intelligence to grasp the many nuances of the Patriots 3-4 defense, or is he a "what you see is what you get" 4-3 defensive end who plays his position straight?

The dimensions of 6'3" and 275 pounds would make him either a very light defensive end of a somewhat heavy outside linebacker.

Sure, Belichick could scheme him into the defense, but not if he doesn't play. The final question mark surrounding Bowers could be the most crucial one, and is certainly the reason he's falling down so many boards.

His knee, and the prospect of severe reconstructive surgery down the road.

The Patriots understand value better than most teams, and won't be wowed by his one productive season. If his knee checks out, and his football IQ is up to snuff and he's athletic enough to play OLB in a 3-4, then he's worth the pick.

If either of the first two are a "no," he's not worth it in the first round. And there's just no way he falls to the second...is there?