With The First Pick
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Oakland Raiders Mock Draft: Fixing the Defense

By Carl Cockerham

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; St. Louis Rams fan Tyler Funneman (left) and Oakland Raiders fans Anna Cornwell (middle) and Jesse Cornwell cheer at DraftTown in Grant Park before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; St. Louis Rams fan Tyler Funneman (left) and Oakland Raiders fans Anna Cornwell (middle) and Jesse Cornwell cheer at DraftTown in Grant Park before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 2, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) hits Furman Paladins quarterback P.J. Blazejowski (7) during the first quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 2, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) hits Furman Paladins quarterback P.J. Blazejowski (7) during the first quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

1. player. 28. Malik McDowell is an athletic freak that can be a dominant player when he gets to the NFL. At 6’6″, 300 pounds and 35-inch long arms, he runs an absolutely freaky 4.85 40-yard dash. He also powerful with explosive hands and the sum of his parts makes a top-10 pick. <p>There are times that he looks like a man among boys that can’t be blocked by anyone. His problem is that he’s not consistent enough, disappearing because he has technical issues. So the Raiders will sprint to the podium when they see McDowell on the board at No. 24 overall.</p> <p>D-line coach Jethro Franklin is one of the best in the business so McDowell will be taught right. And when those technical issues become a thing of the past, he’ll be a dominant player. You can slide McDowell right in there as a 3-4 end in the base and a 3-technique on third down.</p> <p>McDowell’s speed and quickness is perfect for new defensive coach John Pagano. In his 3-4 scheme, the DEs get up field and penetrate instead of staying home as two-gappers. He’ll join Mario Edwards Jr. on the interior to help OLBs Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin rush the passer. </p>. DL. Michigan State. Malik McDowell

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