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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Mitchell Trubisky to 49ers

By Brad Weiss

Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws the ball against the Stanford Cardinal defense at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws the ball against the Stanford Cardinal defense at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) gestures 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) gestures to the sidelines during the first half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Malik McDowell

DL, Michigan State

The Washington Redskins tacked on two more years to Jay Gruden’s contract, and now the head coach is locked up until 2020. While that is a sign the team is trying to get some kind of stability at the head coaching spot, they really need to focus on the quarterback position. The team once again placed the franchise tag on Kirk Cousins, as they continue to overpay yearly for a guy they could have easily locked up to a long-term deal.

While Cousins and the offense was certainly fun to watch last season, the defense just looked too weak on too many occasions. Not only were they very beatable in the passing game, but they were also pushed around up front. The defensive line needs to become a strength if the Redskins want to continuously be a playoff team, and this draft has some talented players who play up front.

Malik McDowell is an elite defensive line prospect, and one who could be used in any defensive scheme you can think of. He has the speed and size to get the edge, but he is also one of the best players in this draft against the run. The Redskins can score with anybody, but if they continue to get pushed around, they are never going to be able to reach their full potential. Locking up Cousins, and going defense this offseason has got to be the priority for the Skins.

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