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CLICK HERE to Register for a free account and login for a smoother ad-free experience. It's easy, and only takes a few moments.I think Bowers will now be a top 10 pick and most likely will be picked ahead of Robert Quinn because he has been playing.I wish we could get a speed rusher like thatThe raiders didnt help us one bit.It will be wise for Bowers to come out with the season he is having.
Bowers seems to have the size at 6'4 1/4 and 275 if those are real..
I've not see this kid play this year. I didn't focus on him last year during the Bowl games..
The big question that will be asked is how is he at setting the edge and dropping back into coverage.
I can't remember which game I watched now, but Bowers was asked to play as a 3-4 OLB and was setting the edge and dropping into coverage. He set the edge okay, his movement in space seemed hampered by being about 10 lbs too soft. Correctable if the work ethic light has gone on.The real question is about his motor and dedication. He has off-the-charts physical measurables but that didn't translate to production...until this year. He has just gone nuts this year with destroying the backfield (sacks and TFL). Just have to evaluate if he has finally "got it" or if he will just be a high-priced talent with an on/off switch that constantly needs to be maintained. Obviously we don't have the answer and that makes him somewhat of a risk.
As for setting the edge and dropping into coverage, Clemson never asks him to do those things. He is an attacking end (like a lot of the rush ends in college) so he is always trying to get off blocks...not hold them or move backwards. Ayers is just about the only top guy that has demonstrated those skills in college, but I find him thoroughly unimpressive at generating pressure. Like most of these guys, Bowers is a projection...but a big, fast and destructive projection.
Cutty from Walterfootball.com
Highlight packages are by no means a great way to make decisions, but this seems like a pretty comprehensive clip from a very recent game.
Bowers' stat line was 9 tackles including 6 solo and 1 sack, and an interception. Break him down and decide how his game will translate to the NFL.
Personally, I see a guy who is very gifted in size, strength, and straight line speed. But I also see a guy with no sudden'ness, no creativity or technique, and who probably gets stats by being very opportunistic and picking on RT's who can't match up to him physically.
No doubt that when he gets free, he flies. But will he be able to beat an NFL OT that can match up to his size and strength? He doesn't look like he presents any outside pass-rush, his burst and hands are average, and he doesn't look like he's flexible enough to dip his shoulder. To me, an NFL lineman is going to be able to "cheat" with Bowers and neutralize him.
He looks like he can disengage and stop a runner at the line of scrimmage (he's phenominal at making diving tackles), but I don't think he's going to make plays behind the line. Ultimately all I care about is pass-rushing from my 4-3 DE's in the top 25, I'd let some other team take him.
He's stiff, he has average burst and hands, and he doesn't have the flexibility to dip his shoulder, nor the feet to make his way back to the QB on an outside pass-rush. He won't be able to disengage in the NFL as he does against ACC RT's, and he needs space to operate. NFL lineman will not be worried about getting beat to the outside and will cheat against him
I won't knock his closing speed, it is elite for someone his size. Plus the man has the uncanny ability to dive for 7 yards and make a tackle.
But he is not going to disengage like he does in college. Again, NFL OT's are not going to be that impressed by his size or strength, and he doesn't really have any pass-rush moves. The biggest problem is his flexibility, he presents 0 threat on the outside. He's just too stiff, and this is not something that he can learn, its more of a natural trait.
Moves can be learned and bodies can aquire flexibility, they're NOT traits that are just genetically predetermined.
Have you told the Jets that? Maybe they should hire you to help V. Gholston.
This was what I was afraid of with Bowers. Personally, I never jumped off the Robert Quinn bandwagon. Hopefully some other team before us uses a pick on Bowers and Quinn falls to NE.Here's a few clips from a recent game and some comments posted from another site that I think sums up Bowers pretty well.
YouTube - Da'Quan Bowers vs. Florida State (2010)
Hopefully someone else will take him before NE does.
This was what I was afraid of with Bowers. Personally, I never jumped off the Robert Quinn bandwagon. Hopefully some other team before us uses a pick on Bowers and Quinn falls to NE.
This, I think, is the danger with these guys. People get all hyped up over measureables and stats and miss the forest for the trees. Crable had great stats too.