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2017 NFL Draft: Top 50 Prospects Halfway through Season

By Tyler Brooke

Oct 22, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) catches a pass as Mississippi Rebels linebacker Detric Bing-Dukes (43) defends during the first quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) catches a pass as Mississippi Rebels linebacker Detric Bing-Dukes (43) defends during the first quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 2, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) stands on the field between plays during the first half against the Furman Paladins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 2, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) stands on the field between plays during the first half against the Furman Paladins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

There have been plenty of comparisons between Michigan State’s Malik McDowell and former Oregon defensive lineman DeForest Buckner. Halfway through the season, those comparisons are continuing to look more and more realistic.

At 6’6” and 276 pounds, McDowell has been an extremely versatile D-lineman for the Spartans, lining up anywhere from nose tackle to defensive end. He’s dangerous against the run and can also generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

The big concern with a defensive lineman as big as McDowell is that he needs to focus on staying low in order to avoid getting pushed back. He also struggles against the double team, but then again that’s something a lot of guys can struggle with heading into the NFL.

With the physical tools and potential that McDowell brings, he belongs in the conversation as one of the 10 best draft prospects.

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