NFL Draft 2011: Da'Quan Bowers Fits Much Better Than You Think in New England

You might be wondering how a 4-3 defensive end with concerns regarding his right knee could be a nice fit in New England's very complex and unique 3-4 defense.

Believe it or not, it could work.

In an article posted by ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss, he points out that the New England Patriots spent 57 percent of their defensive snaps in a sub-package, which consists of five defensive backs, three linebackers and three defensive linemen (the alignment of each player will vary). 

In that sub-package, the Patriots struggled against the pass, and most of that struggles should be credited from the lack of a true pass-rusher coming from the edge.

As the Patriots are in pursuit of a pass-rushing defensive end or linebacker, Bill Belichick shouldn't count out players that are strictly considered by scouts to be a 4-3 defensive end—for an example, Clemson's Da'Quan Bowers.

Bowers is a pure athlete that can set the edge in New England's sub-dime package. Not only is he quick and explosive off of the edge, he's athletic enough to possibly even take on small roles in pass coverage. In a way, I see a lot potential in Bowers in that he could be the player that New England was looking for out of Adalius Thomas.

The former Clemson defensive end has witnessed his draft stock plummet over the past few months due to his non-participation in the NFL scouting combine. Bowers had right-knee surgery back in January which not only caused him not to workout at the combine, but he even postponed his pro workout.

However, Bowers and his agent insist that both of his knees are 100 percent healthy and not an issue in a recent article posted on ESPN.com.

All in all, if Belichick and the Patriots determined that Bowers was indeed healthy during their private workout/meeting with him this past month, then Bowers could be a dominant force in New England's complex defense.

The Patriots need a lot of help in the pass-rushing department, especially in sub-dime packages where the Patriots could utilize Bowers to his full potential.

Drafting Bowers as a sub player may sound kind of idiotic or pointless, but when the Patriots spend over 50 percent of their time in a sub-package, Bowers would get just as much playing time as if he was playing on a 4-3 base defensive team.

Also, let's not trash out the ability for Bowers to adapt to a position in New England's 3-4 defense as a defensive end or an outside linebacker due to his athleticism and versatility.

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