If the NFL Lockout did one positive thing for football, it appears it has all but eliminated the rookie contract holdout. In just one day the Buccaneers have signed all three of their top three round picks from the 2011 draft class, completing the trifecta by signing Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers to a 4-year contract before training camp has even begun.
Bowers basically broke the news himself via twitter.
@DaQuanBowers93: Feels good to finally be a buc officially.... Dotted line signed ....
Bowers will join earlier signees, defensive end Adrian Clayborn and linebacker Mason Foster, rounding out a corps of rookies that will look to make immediate impact to a young Buccaneer defense that lacked splash plays and a consistent pass rush last season.
Bowers was considered by many to be a top 10 talent in the draft but fell due to worry about a knee injury that Bowers sustained in college. Bowers has been telling the media for months that his knee is fine and the Bucs front office basically confirmed that earlier this week when he passed his physical at One Buc Place and was cleared to begin training camp this Friday.
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