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2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-round projections after Week 14

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) stands on the field during the first quarter 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) stands on the field during the first quarter of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

16. . DL. Michigan State. Malik McDowell. 16. player

Some have questioned Malik McDowell’s drive and effort, but that accusation is relatively baseless. Scouts have been unhappy with the fact that his numbers have been somewhat mediocre this season and it’s because he drew so many double-teams.

On a Michigan State defensive line that struggled all year, McDowell seemed to disappear because he was taking on two blockers on every down. Offenses worried about him, and him only, in the pass protection game as well as on run plays. Teams ran to the opposite side of the field more often than not.

That type of attention won’t be focused on the young kid as a rookie and the Bills may be intrigued by his potential. Buffalo needs some defensive end help and even though McDowell played most of the season as a tackle, his natural position is on the end.

McDowell is naturally strong and can burst through the offensive line with ease if there’s only one guy on him. He has a habit of making offensive linemen look silly and he has a pretty impressive tape. The junior finished the year with 34 tackles, seven tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks even though he was rarely healthy and played five less games than he did last season.

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