“Blessed” Bowers “Definitely” Likes Defensive Tackle
July 31st, 2015
A heralded defensive end out of Clemson, a second-round draft pick of the Bucs, Da’Quan Bowers doesn’t play that position any longer.
Joe talked to Bowers this morning as he arrived at One Buc Palace.
Bucs fans returning from summer slumber might not realize Bowers has returned for his fifth Bucs season. It’s almost shocking, as he’s often called a bust. However, Bowers proved late last year that he was a legitimate defensive tackle. He started in place of Gerald McCoy when McCoy was shelved in December with an injury. Bowers wasn’t great, but he wasn’t a liability.
He re-signed last week on what general manager Jason Licht called a “low-risk” deal for Tampa Bay. Translation: little, if any, guaranteed money.
Bowers, who says he’s “blessed” to be back, shared tales of powerful personal workouts on social media this offseason. Fitness has been an issue for him in past summers and Joe asked him about that as the sun rose.
I’m in “pretty good shape, but you can only be in football shape playing football. So, that’s to be expected. There’s still a lot of work to be done,” Bowers said.
As for how he likes the change to defensive tackle, Bowers said he “definitely” likes it. “It’s something I got used to last year, looking forward to making better strides at it this year. … There’s a lot to be learned. Gerald [McCoy] did a great job last year trying to string me along, but there’s still some leaps to be made. I’m looking forward to be making those leaps,” he said.
Bowers, 25, said he’s “blessed” to be back in Tampa and didn’t want to reveal the other teams that sought his services.
Wouldn’t it be something if Bowers somehow had a breakthrough training camp and season. It’s still July, the season for optimism. Joe’s rooting for Bowers to shock the world.
July 31st, 2015 at 10:05 am
I’m rooting for Bowers too Joe, to bring more potential that most thought he had when he was drafted.
July 31st, 2015 at 10:10 am
McCoy, McDonald, Spence and Melton. Good to know we gave up Michael Bennett for a 3rd string DT.
July 31st, 2015 at 10:45 am
Considering his history and that this is probably Bowers last chance to play in the NFL – saying that he is in “pretty good shape” coming in to camp is just not good enough. The answer should be – “I’m in the best shape of my life and can’t wait to get on the field”.
The Bucs have a lot of talent and depth at DT so DaQuan’s chances of making this team in 2015 are not very good. If Bowers wants to be an NFL player – then he better bring some serious urgency to the table. I’m not hearing it and my impression is that this lack of motivation has been his “problem” the entire time.
We’ll see how this plays out…..
July 31st, 2015 at 10:49 am
Bowers at DT makes sense for only one reason? McCoy is down to 285. Will he play somE DE?
July 31st, 2015 at 10:56 am
Lets not forget the beast he was in 2010 coming into the draft. I know I was happyhttp://www.nfl.com/draft/2011/profiles/da’quan-bowers?id=2495475
July 31st, 2015 at 11:01 am
A sense of urgency and deep motivation is not dominating his personality. Let’s see what really is inside. Hope he makes us and the team stand up and take notice with a turnaround season.
July 31st, 2015 at 11:15 am
Bowers was “blessed” that he did not get charged for that gun at the airport situation a few years ago.
July 31st, 2015 at 11:35 am
Wouldn’t it be something if Bowers somehow had a breakthrough training camp and season.
Stranger things have happened.
This has the ingredients of that kind of story. If Bowers blossoms he wouldn’t be the first NFL player who was written off but suddenly became a good player after a position change.
In addition I’m sure his agent has made it clear to Daquan that this is his last chance.
July 31st, 2015 at 11:43 am
He was doing decent at tackle. Our tackles are really good so its good for the rotation. We need edge rush
July 31st, 2015 at 12:02 pm
Bowers is a waste of a roster spot. Let’s see if he actually comes to camp in shape this time around.
July 31st, 2015 at 12:46 pm
Pickgrin, my thoughts exactly. I like Bowers, but why didn’t he camp on Gerald McCoy’s doorstep and force him to take him along for workouts? Bowers has always had an issue with being in shape, and he could do worse than learning how to play DT from the best 3-technique in the league.
It just doesn’t look like he’s passionate about this, but we’ll see
July 31st, 2015 at 5:36 pm
Bowers said he didn’t want to reveal the identities of the other teams that sought his services……………………………………………………………………… and im STILL laughing even while writing this one reading THAT one…Meanwhile back in the real world, junior galette signed a one year deal with the skins for veteran minimum. And, our beloved Bucs marketing and media relations dept, decided that too many negative feelings were associated with the team motto “it’s a bucs life,” so the masterfully crafted albeit use impromper grammar phrase was born “Seige the day”….which somehow just the use of Seige instead of seize makes me feel even more like It’s a Bucs life.
July 31st, 2015 at 5:44 pm
I’m rooting for Da’ Quan Bowers, I still believe he’s the most talented player on our D-Line. He just gotta work harder and play with more passion, he has all of the physical abilities. He just gotta put it all together and just play football, I believe he will play good in the preseason games and make the team, and have a good season in 2015.
July 31st, 2015 at 6:21 pm
Welcome back my friends
To the show that never ends
We’re so glad you could attend
Come inside
Come inside
Let’s play football!!
August 1st, 2015 at 1:37 am
Sorry Bowers, its obvious no other team was going to sign you… You stayed on the market for 4 months with nobody calling. The only thing calling was cheeseburgers.
August 1st, 2015 at 11:01 am
LOL. We had a DE starting for two years that nobody wanted to even look at in their camp. What does that tell you about the quality of our draft picks under the Rock Star.