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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Patrick Mahomes on the rise

By Brad Weiss

Oct 24, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) looks to pass the ball against the Oklahoma Sooners during the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) looks to pass the ball against the Oklahoma Sooners during the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) points to the sidelines during the first half 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) points to the sidelines during the first half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
21

Malik McDowell

DT, Michigan State

The Detroit Lions were one of the more pleasant surprises of the 2016 NFL regular season, as they got off to a hot start. Though they would lose their grip on the NFC North in the final week of the season, they did enter the playoffs as a wild card team, only to lose in the first round. Still, it was a positive season on many levels, and now the team must look to improve to stay playoff relevant.

While Matthew Stafford did a nice job without his best weapon in 2016, as star wide receiver Calvin Johnson retired after the 2015 season, the defense struggled mightily at times. The Lions need to do something to bolster their defensive line, and they may be able to look instate to do so. Malik McDowell of the Michigan State Spartans has first round ability, and he would be a fan favorite if the local Lions selected him at No. 21.

There is not telling how the Lions will be next season, as their performance in 2016 could have been written off as a fluke. However, they do have one of the better quarterbacks in the NFC, and if their defense can get better at stopping the run, they should remain a playoff team. The NFC North is a tough division, but the much-improved Lions look like a team that could be a contender for many years to come.

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