There was a time when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were among the most feared defenses in the NFL. Year after year, defensive studs like Derrick Brooks, Warren Sapp, John Lynch, and Simeon Rice dominated opposing offenses, and were the backbone of the team. But as these stars either left or got older, they weren't replaced properly. This caused the once mighty defense to begin to slip. By 2009, it was time for a change. John Gruden was fired as head coach, and replaced by Raheem Morris. The architect of the Bucs defense, Monte Kiffin, also left to work on his son's staff at The University of Tennessee. And finally, Derrick Brooks was released. An 11-time pro bowler, Brooks was the last remaining link to the great Tampa defenses of the past. The Bucs were officially rebuilding.
After a tough 3-13 first season under Morris, 2010 saw the Bucs produce the greatest single-season turnaround in franchise history, going 10-6. No longer a defensive juggernaut, the 2010 Bucs relied on a very young and talented offense. Second-year quarterback Josh Freeman had a breakout season, throwing for 3,451 yards and 25 TD's. The 25 TD's, along with only 6 interceptions, gave Freeman the ninth best TD/INT ratio in NFL history. Rookie receiver Mike Williams set a franchise record with 11 TD's. And rookie RB LeGarrette Blount rushed for over 1,000 yards, becoming only the 2nd undrafted rookie in NFL history to do so. A feat he accomplished despite not seeing significant playing time until Week 7. Blount also brought a toughness that the Bucs running game was severely lacking.
So with the Tampa Bay offense flying high, it's time for the Bucs to start rebuilding the defense. Last year they selected DT Gerald McCoy with the 3rd overall pick, and this year they will stay on the defensive line and take:
(INSERT OFFENSIVE NAME) #20 OVERALL MOCK DRAFT PICK:
DA'QUAN BOWERS - DE, CLEMSON
Not that long ago, Bowers was seen as a possible #1 overall pick. He was the top recruit in the nation coming out of high school, and was named the 2010 Defensive Player of the Year in the ACC, after leading the nation with 15.5 sacks. A red flag has been raised, however, due to his knee. Bowers missed 2 games in 2009 due to a knee injury. And then following the 2010 season he underwent arthroscopic surgery on the same knee. The surgery held Bowers out of the combine, and during his April 1 workout for NFL scouts, he still seemed to really be favoring the knee, and his performance was abysmal. There is some talk that Bowers may eventually require microfracture surgery, which would not be easy to come back from, just ask Greg Oden. The agent for Bowers is denying that microfracture surgery is needed, so we will just have to wait and see. If his knee heals and he gets back to 100%, Bowers could be an absolute steal for the Bucs at #20. At 6-4, 280, Bowers has great size and is the perfect combination of athleticism, speed and strength. But if his knee doesn't heal properly, and his explosiveness never comes back, he will have trouble succeeding as a professional.
Entire Mock Draft:
- Carolina Panthers - Marcell Dareus
- Denver Broncos - Patrick Peterson
- Buffalo Bills - Cam Newton
- Cincinnati Bengals - A.J. Green
- Arizona Cardinals - Blaine Gabbert
- Cleveland Browns - Julio Jones
- San Francisco 49ers - Von Miller
- Tennessee Titans - Nick Fairley
- Dallas Cowboys - Prince Amukamara
- Washington Redskins - Jake Locker
- Houston Texans - Robert Quinn
- Minnesota Vikings - J.J Watt
- Detroit Lions - Tyron Smith
- St. Louis Rams - Aldon Smith
- Miami Dolphins - Mike Pouncey
- Jacksonville Jaguars - Cameron Jordan
- New England Patriots - Ryan Kerrigan
- San Diego Charger - Muhammad Wilkerson
- New York Giants - Anthony Castonzo
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Da'Quan Bowers
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