2017 NFL Draft: Top 5 Interior Defensive Linemen

Malik McDowell – 6’6″ 295 lbs. – Michigan State

Malik McDowell is a player I know well and have followed for a long time, as I like to keep a close eye on recruiting. He chose Michigan State over my Buckeyes — he wanted to go to MSU and his parents wanted him to get out of state and go to Ohio. So they didn’t sign his letter of intent until there was no choice.

McDowell was a 5-star recruit and the no. 3 ranked defensive end in the nation.

Strengths:

McDowell has combination of power and speed that makes scouts and coaches drool. If the switch is turned on for him on a full-time basis, he looks like a top five player in this draft.

He has a great frame, packed with muscle. The jolt in his hands shocks blockers on contact, and he can also wiggle through gaps. Has closing speed and long strides to track down ball carrier angles.

If Malik wins with leverage off the snap, his bull rush is devastating. He has the power, frame and speed to play all over the defensive line.

McDowell has natural power to his game and above average functional strength. He possesses outstanding balance through contract, and men his size don’t usually move like he does. His agility and lateral movement are elite.

Weaknesses:

There are major character concerns surrounding McDowell. It’s obvious on film that he took plays off, he was known to freelance plays and he would sometimes cuss out his coaches.

His technique is raw, and he needs to learn the nuances of defensive line play. But that could be from moving across the defensive line too much. At 6’6″, he’ll come out of his stance too high and without discipline, and he’ll quickly lose the leverage battle against opposing blockers.

Overall:

McDowell has all the talent in the world, and has the potential to be a top NFL defensive lineman. The question is, does he want to be? NFL teams will be asking those some questions, and we’ll have to wait to see the answer.

NFL Comparison: Muhammad Wilkerson

Film Score: 77.5

Athleticism Score: 7.3 (NFL average)

Final Score: 76 (Round 1)