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2017 NFL Draft: Michigan State Malik McDowell Scouting Report

By Jon Dove

Nov 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) is sacked by Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) during the 1st half game of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) is sacked by Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) during the 1st half game of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan State’s Malik McDowell is in the mix to be the first interior defensive lineman selected in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Malik McDowell is a long and athletic defensive line prospect who plays with a non-stop motor. He brings some versatility to the table with his ability to both support the run and generate pressure on the quarterback.

Michigan State mainly asks McDowell to work in the middle of the defense and serve as a disruptive force. He does a great job using his long arms to swim past and club the blocker. This allows him to work his way into the backfield while maintaining his lane.

McDowell also focuses on gaining inside hands and getting his arms extended. This creates space for him to operate and keeps blockers off his frame. He has heavy enough hands to control the action and disengage.

Snap awareness and timing is another important factor in McDowell’s success. He does a great job anticipating the snap count and quickly getting out of his stance. This is key to his ability to get in the backfield because he doesn’t have an elite burst.

McDowell’s size and length make it harder for him explode out of his stance. However, it’s important to note that he does have a good initial step just not equal to some of the elite interior rushers in the NFL.

His size also hurts his ability to gain leverage and results in him playing a little too high at times. This is an area that could use some work. Improving his pad level keep blockers off his frame and limit their ability to generate a push.

McDowell spent the majority of his college career working at defensive tackle, but he might be best suited to play the 5-technique position in the NFL. His combination of length, ability to play the run and get after the quarterback fits what defensive coaches look for in a 5-technique.

Overall, this is a high-upside defender who has proven capable of being a disruptive force. He plays with a non-stop motor and is physical at the point of attack.

Current draft Status: Top-15

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