2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-Round Projections after Week 8

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Oct 8, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) is blocked by Brigham Young Cougars offensive lineman Tuni Kanuch (78) during the second half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

DT. Michigan State. Malik McDowell. 11. player. 52.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are still a work in progress, but you have to have hope if you’re a fan of the team with some of the young talent they’re bringing in. Even on defense, guys like Dante Fowler and Jalen Ramsey are players that they can build around.

In the middle of the defense, the Jaguars could try and find someone to pair with Malik Jackson. Fortunately for the Jaguars, there’s another Malik on the board here in Michigan State defensive tackle Malik McDowell.

McDowell is a strong pass rusher and dominant force inside thanks to his 6’6”, 276-pound frame. He would probably need to get bigger at the next level to play DT in a 4-3 scheme, but the skills are there for him to make a name for himself.

Although the Jaguars still aren’t a force in the AFC, continuing to add prospects like McDowell on defense could turn them into a respectable franchise.

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