The agent for Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers released a statement Thursday to curtail reports of the projected high draft pick's medical status. Bowers had arthroscopic knee surgery in January, didn't work out at the NFL Scouting Combine in February and postponed his pro-day workout until April 1.
Some NFL team officials have said further medical evaluation was needed to curb some concerns about Bowers' knee, but a lot of those questions could be answered by those medical results and how the lineman performed at his pro day and private workouts.
Here is the statement from Bowers agent, Joe Flanagan:
"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."