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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Wild Card Edition

By Tyler Brooke

Nov 12, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) carries the ball as Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) defends during the first half at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) carries the ball as Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) defends during the first half at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 2, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) stands on the field between plays during the first half against the Furman Paladins 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) stands on the field between plays during the first half against the Furman Paladins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Malik McDowell

DL, Michigan State

The Atlanta Falcons are continuing to build out their defense under head coach Dan Quinn, but it’s a continuous work in progress. Their first-round pick will likely go towards improving that defense, possibly by finding a versatile defensive lineman.

Michigan State’s Malik McDowell could fill that role nicely for Atlanta. McDowell comes in at 6-foot-6 and 276 pounds with experience playing as either a defensive end or defensive tackle.

McDowell is a strong pass rusher and is more than capable of plugging up rushing lanes. He needs to work on keeping his pad level low considering his size, but he’s shown serious flashes of potential on an underwhelming Spartans team.

The Spartans defensive lineman might not be a finished product just yet, but the potential is there for him to be a valuable starter with the right coaching and development.

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