With The First Pick
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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Cleveland Browns Get it Right

By Carl Cockerham

Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in game action against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Texas A&M won 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in game action against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Texas A&M won 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 19, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Air Force Falcons quarterback Karson Roberts (16) has pass hurried by Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Air Force Falcons quarterback Karson Roberts (16) has pass hurried by Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

With the No. 24 overall pick in the draft, the Oakland Raiders select former Michigan State DL Malik McDowell. McDowell is this year’s Leonard Williams type of freak athlete among the 300 pounders. At 6’6″, 300 pounds, he ran an 4.85 40 and posted a 7.69 time in the three-cone drill. <p>And yes, he is strong as he often anchored against double and triple-teams while not getting moved. His first-step quickness and speed help him make those splash plays in opposing teams’ backfields too. With his combination of speed, power and agility, there are times the McDowell is unblockable.</p><div class=. DL. Michigan State. Malik McDowell. 24. player. 28

The reason why McDowell isn’t projected to go as high is because he needs to be more consistent. NFL coaches are paid to make players consistent and Jethro Franklin is the best D-line coaches in the league. Mario Edwards Jr., another freak athlete of a D-lineman will be back healthy to improve the interior pass rush.

McDowell would also help improve the run defense as they need on another ILB to go with Jelani Jenkins. Put that with Khalil Mack on the edge and better play out of the secondary this coming year. And with the offense led by a healthy Derek Carr, 2017 is a Super Bowl or bust year for the Raiders.

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24

Malik McDowell

DL, Michigan State

Las Vegas Raiders
Las Vegas Raiders /

With the No. 24 overall pick in the draft, the Oakland Raiders select former Michigan State DL Malik McDowell. McDowell is this year’s Leonard Williams type of freak athlete among the 300 pounders. At 6’6″, 300 pounds, he ran an 4.85 40 and posted a 7.69 time in the three-cone drill.

And yes, he is strong as he often anchored against double and triple-teams while not getting moved. His first-step quickness and speed help him make those splash plays in opposing teams’ backfields too. With his combination of speed, power and agility, there are times the McDowell is unblockable.

The reason why McDowell isn’t projected to go as high is because he needs to be more consistent. NFL coaches are paid to make players consistent and Jethro Franklin is the best D-line coaches in the league. Mario Edwards Jr., another freak athlete of a D-lineman will be back healthy to improve the interior pass rush.

McDowell would also help improve the run defense as they need on another ILB to go with Jelani Jenkins. Put that with Khalil Mack on the edge and better play out of the secondary this coming year. And with the offense led by a healthy Derek Carr, 2017 is a Super Bowl or bust year for the Raiders.

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