We start off my NFC South Top 25 with No. 25:

Da'Quan Bowers, defensive end, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

What he did in 2012: Bowers missed the first six games of the season while recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. He produced three sacks in 10 games while not getting a single start.

Why he’s No. 25 in 2013: I’m going out on a limb here and projecting big things from Bowers because that’s exactly what the Buccaneers are doing. They let last year’s sack leader, Michael Bennett, leave via free agency because they believe Bowers is ready to blossom into a force as a pass-rusher. The Bucs went slowly with Bowers as a rookie as he recovered from knee issues and had to follow a similar course last season. But Bowers was a guy that was viewed as an elite pass rusher coming out of college. If he can stay healthy, Bowers should be able to prove the Bucs right and come up with double-digit sacks.

For previous entries in the NFC South top 25, click here.