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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Deshaun Watson heads to Broadway

By Brad Weiss

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) walks on the field during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) walks on the field during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) stands on the field during the first quarter of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) stands on the field during the first quarter of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Malik McDowell

DT, Michigan State

The New York Giants spent a ton of money on their defense this past offseason, and boy did it pay off. One year removed from having arguably the worst defense in the NFC, the Giants rode their defense to a Wild Card berth in 2016, though that same defense was shredded by Aaron Rodgers this past Sunday. Still, there is a solid nucleus on that side of the ball, and the team needs to continue to add to it.

One area where the team could use some depth is up front, where Johnathan Hankins and Damon Harrison both played very well this past season. Harrison was an All-Pro selection, while the 24-year old Hankins collected 30 tackles. Still, bringing in a player like Malik McDowell from Michigan State may be the way to go, especially considering the team may lose star defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul to free agency.

McDowell has the size and speed to play all over the line, and could actually be moved to the end if the team needs to fill the role left vacant if JPP bolts. He is an incredibly gifted player, and while he has not declared for the NFL Draft yet, there is really no reason for him to return to Michigan State. The Spartans are a program on the decline, and McDowell is definitely a first round talent who would flourish in the Giants defense.

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