Bowers easily splits two defenders en route to ball.

Da’Quan Bowers defensive end from the Clemson Tigers led the nation with 15.5 sacks and 24 tackles for loss (which was good for 150 lost yards for opponents). He also chipped in an impressive 63 tackles. These are some very impressive numbers, especially for a defensive lineman. Bowers smashed the Clemson record for sacks in a season previously held by our man Gaines Adams (R.I.P). Some draft pundits believe Bowers could fall outside of the top twenty in the draft because of lingering issues with his knee. If he is sitting there at twenty, it is an absolute steal for the Bucs to take a chance and swing for the fence. We might just knock one out of the park.

When the Buccaneers landed Gaines Adams in the 2007 draft, I do not believe he was the first player on the Bucs draft board. Mel Kiper, (who I personally no longer value his opinion) had the Detroit Lions pegged to select Adams. The Buccaneers were in the perfect position because either Joe Thomas or Calvin Johnson would fall into their laps. This of course is what Mel Kiper protested even during the draft as the Lions were on the clock. He guaranteed the Lions can’t afford to use another pick on a wide receiver. Unfortunately for the Bucs, Kiper was dead wrong and Tampa ended up selecting the “best defensive player available” Gaines Adams. Adams most productive season as a Buccaneer produced 6.5 sacks, not horrible but enough to warrant Raheem Morris to call him out as a “bust” if he did not produce to the media.

Adams was the mentor of Da’Quan Bowers, after the untimely death of Adams, Bowers father passed away during spring practice. His last dying wish was for his son to become the top prospect in the NFL Draft. If not for a knee injury his son most likely would have made his father very proud. There are differences in the Bowers and Adams game, which I believe warrant a selection in the upcoming draft. Bowers would be more of an anchor on the defensive line, lining up as the left defensive end.

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Jack Bechta, White’s agent stated “that White enjoyed being in Tampa Bay and playing for Bucs coach Jon Gruden“. 

White is an exclusive rights free agent, meaning he can not negotiate with other teams. 

While he may have some solid value in the trade market, it probably is not in the best interest of the Bucs to move him right now.  Gruden and Monte have continually emphasized the need to improve the pass rush. Eliminating one of last years surprises at the position would seemingly be less than ideal. 

The Bucs might not have balked at the contract that was eventually given to him, but the compensation surely was too rich for our blood.   While we may have 87 players under contract, giving up 3 picks in the top 100 is very rich.