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SBN 2011 NFL Mock Draft: Da'Quan Bowers To Browns?

With the Senior Bowl on the way, it's time to take another look at the SBN Mock Draft. The big news is obviously the rising stock of players like Nick Fairley and A.J. Green. With teams locking in their head coaches, the priorities start to come out a little more clearly. Three defensive linemen are projected in the top five, with Green and CB Prince Amukamara rounding out the list.

That leaves the Browns at No. 6.

6. Cleveland Browns: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson. Dick Jauron is in the fold as Cleveland's new defensive coordinator, so in addition to needing weapons for Colt McCoy, now they need to import 4-3 personnel. Bowers is a traditional 4-3 end that would be the cornerstone player in the team's new defensive system.

If Bowers slips to the sixth pick, I will be absolutely thrilled. Bowers was ranked as high as No. 1 on Mel Kiper's big board, and his "slip" is nothing more than teams reevaluating their needs. The point is, any of these six players could make a case for moving up or down a spot or two, and Bowers is as talented as any of the five above him.

The Browns need pass rushers, and Da'Quan had 16 sacks and 150 tackles a year ago. He played on an underachieving team, but that didn't stop him from being a unanimous All-American selection and earning the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. If by some miracle Bowers is available at the sixth pick, Browns fans should be elated.

Photographs by spatulated, Triple Tri, and chrischappelear used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.