TAMPA, Fla. -- Tuesday's news that defensive lineman Da'Quan Bowers has been suspended for two games for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances was just the latest twist in what has been a disappointing career. It also puts Bowers one step closer to the likely end of his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
It's a sad story that could have been a great one if things had gone differently. But Bowers hasn't produced much of anything since joining the Bucs in 2011. When Bowers was entering the NFL draft, the early word was that he would be a top-10 pick, maybe even the top overall pick. But a knee injury caused a drop in Bowers' stock.
When Bowers still was available in the second round, former general manager Mark Dominik decided to take a shot. Even in hindsight, it wasn't a bad move. As a second-round pick, Bowers' risk factor wasn't as high and he still could have come with a large reward.
The Bucs gave Bowers his chances. In 2013, they tried to hand him a starting job at defensive end. But Bowers showed up at camp in poor shape and he returned to his backup role.
With a new coaching staff taking over this season, the Bucs decided to shift Bowers to defensive tackle, but there haven't been any miracles there. Bowers has been used as a rotational player and hasn't had much of an impact.
Bowers' contract is up after this season, and that's why I say his time with the Bucs probably is coming to an end. The Bucs already have seen firsthand that Bowers isn't an impact player. Some other team will remember the pre-draft hype surrounding Bowers and take a shot on him. But don't count on the Bucs offering Bowers another contract.
