2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-Round Projections after Week 10

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Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) stands on the field between plays during the second half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

DL. Michigan State. Malik McDowell. 9. player. 59.

It looks like Mario Williams won’t be returning to the Miami Dolphins in 2017. The 31-year-old had just one sack heading into Sunday’s game against the Jets, and the Dolphins would lose just $2 million dead cap space if they cut him this offseason.

With Williams likely out in Miami, the Dolphins will need someone to pair without Ndamukong Suh. Fortunately for Miami, there’s a guy coming out out of Michigan State who could make an awfully big impact in Malik McDowell.

McDowell reminds many scouts of former Oregon prospect DeForest Buckner due to his size, length and versatility on the defensive line. He’s a strong pass rusher and can plug up rushing lanes when needed.

The biggest problem with McDowell is that he needs to learn to stay low, and it doesn’t help that he’s so tall at 6’6”. Regardless, having a mentor like Suh could teach McDowell how to become a dominant defensive lineman at the next level.

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