From General Manager Tony Astorino: Da’Quan Bowers is the premier pass rusher in this year’s Draft. Nearly the entire Defense needs help and where better to start then by adding a great talent in Bowers. He will help the Panthers a great deal primarily in the passing game on the defensive side of the ball but has the size and skill to be an, effective at worst, run-stopper as well. After losing Julius Peppers to free agency a couple of years ago, I feel like Bowers can step right in and help replace some of that lost production. His superb pass rushing ability will help the team greatly on 3rd downs to get the defense off the field and the offense back on. Adding a dominant player like this to the defensive line will help get the defense off the field earlier, and giving the offense better field position.
Da’Quan’s extraordinary defensive stats from last year earned him the honors of being the, ACC Defensive Player of the Year, while playing at Clemson. Even more impressive than his 63 tackles is the havoc he wreaked in ACC backfields all year long. He posted fantastic numbers recording 24 tackles for a loss, and 15.5 sacks. Meaning over 1/3 of the 63 tackles he made last year, occurred behind the line of scrimmage, proving his dominance. A successful defense starts with a successful defensive line, and a great Defensive End like Bowers will help get the Carolina Panthers reach their defensive goals.
From the Commish
Sayre: I think the Panthers could go a number of different directions. This is going to be a long process for them leading all the way up to the draft, I think, but Bowers is a solid selection. Anyone who can lead the nation in sacks with a torn meniscus is fine by me, and he fits a great need for them. Is he a one year wonder? I'm not so sure. I think Bowers showed improvements over all three years at Clemson, and he really turned it up in his junior campaign. A good young prospect that Carolina can build their defense around.
Look for the Broncos pick later today....