By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Friday, April 29, 2011
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers doubled down on defensive ends Friday, drafting Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers with their second-round pick, 51st overall.
On Thursday, the Bucs drafted Iowa defensive end Adrian Clayborn. Bowers led the nation with 15.5 sacks and tied for the most tackles for loss with 26.
Bowers was considered the most pure pass rusher in the draft, but his stock fell because of a torn meniscus in his knee.
Several NFL teams reportedly took Bowers off their draft board after his medical evaluation. It's been speculated that he could be a one-contract player.
But the Bucs obviously believed Bowers was a great value late in the second round and wanted to upgrade their pass rush. The Bucs finished tied for 30th in the NFL with only 26 sacks.
The pick was announced by former Bucs safety John Lynch.
