2011 NFL Draft: Clemson DE Da'Quan Bowers' knee has progressed ahead of schedule, agent says

Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers answers a question about his declaring for the NFL draft while meeting with media, Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011, in Clemson, S.C. The junior, from Bamberg, S.C., has been ranked as high as the number one overall pick by several draft analysts. (AP Photo/Anderson Independent-Mail, Mark Crammer)

View Larger Version >>

In the past few weeks, concerns have mounted about Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers' surgically repaired right knee. His agent insists there's no reason for NFL teams to be alarmed.

Bowers, a top-10 prospect whom the Browns will reportedly visit and could target with the sixth overall pick, had a torn meniscus operated on in January and skipped workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine last month. He told reporters at the combine that he was "100 percent" and he simply wanted the proper time to train for his pro day March 10 at Clemson. But after his pro day was pushed back to April 1, several reports indicated his knee injury could more serious than he let on.

Bowers' agent, Joe Flanagan, responded today via the following statement:

"Recently, inaccurate reports have surfaced regarding our client, Da'Quan Bowers, the health of his knee and the scheduling of his workout. Bottom line: Da'Quan's knee has progressed ahead of schedule, in every regard, since the day he walked out of his procedure. There have been no "setbacks" or "new concerns," and Da'Quan is very much looking forward to his workout on April 1.

"Here are the facts:

"Shortly after the combine, on our advice and based on input from the teams at the top of the draft, it was decided to push Da'Quan's workout deeper into the pro day schedule, simply to give him more time to train.

"On March 4, all NFL clubs (and certain media) were notified that Da'Quan would hold his pro day at Clemson on April 1, the day after North Carolina's pro day, to best accommodate NFL personnel.

"As announced at that time, Da'Quan will indeed work out on Friday, April 1, at 9 a.m. at Clemson University. He will participate in all combine and defensive line tests and drills. He will be meeting and dining with several teams in both the days leading up to and after the workout.

"Starting on April 4, Da'Quan will begin traveling for visits currently scheduled with eight teams at the top of the draft. Those teams will visit with Da'Quan and conduct physicals. He will also participate in the medical re-check in Indianapolis, which will lead to updated medical information being provided to all 32 clubs.

"We believe this series of events ... the meetings, dinners, workout, visits, physicals and re-check ... will show that there exists no short- or long-term concern about his knee and also confirm that Da'Quan is the best defensive player in this draft, with as much upside as any prospect in a very long time."

Note: Don't forget to check out the list of other draft prospects who have visits or workouts scheduled with the Browns.