With The First Pick
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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Free Agency Settling Down

By Carl Cockerham

Sep 19, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) defends against Nevada Wolf Pack offensive lineman Austin Corbett (73) during the game at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) defends against Nevada Wolf Pack offensive lineman Austin Corbett (73) during the game at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) sacks Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) during the 1st half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) sacks Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) during the 1st half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

DT. Michigan State. Malik McDowell. 21. player. 50. Without retired WR Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford is playing the best football of his career. He and their solid offense lead the Lions to the playoffs for the second time in three years. They just haven’t gotten too far in the playoffs because they need to improve on defense. <p>The Lions have a solid secondary but their front-seven isn’t one that controls the line of scrimmage. Last year, they weren’t able to stop the run or get after the opposing team’s QB very well. A big part of the problem getting after the QB was DE Ziggy Ansah playing injured.</p> <p>He’s back to good health now and a good bet to come back with a strong year in 2017. However, he needs help inside from a penetrating three-technique that can make plays in the backfield. Michigan State’s Malik McDowell is a monster that is absolutely unblockable at times.</p> <p>The 6’6″, 300 pounder with 4.85 40 speed has the talent to be like that all the time but somehow isn’t. When a player is that talented and shows he can do something, coaches have to make him consistent. If HC Jim Caldwell and his staff could do that with McDowell, the Lions would contend.</p>

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