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2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-round projections after Week 11

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 12, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) passes the ball during the first half against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) passes the ball during the first half against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) points to the sidelines during the first half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) points to the sidelines during the first half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

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

Some have questioned the motor of junior defensive lineman Malik McDowell from Michigan State. That’s not exactly fair since he’s basically the only guy on the defensive side of the ball who has been causing problems for opposing offenses and he is the subject of 100 percent of double-teams for the Spartans.

Offenses know exactly where the big man is on the defensive side of the ball at all times and if they don’t double team him, he will use that 6-foot-6, 276-pound frame to overpower the lone blocker and bully his way into the backfield.

McDowell does have a tendency to use his strength almost too well, getting into the backfield so fast that he doesn’t have a chance to recover and make a play on a running back sneaking right past his grasp. That’s a fixable problem, though, and NFL scouts have been intrigued by his size, strength and athleticism.

The Spartan star has been battling a slew of injuries all season long and he’s still managed to put up solid numbers. Miami could use a youth movement on the defensive line and McDowell would be a nice piece for the future.

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