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NFL Mock Draft 2017: Defense rules early

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) 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 /
17

Malik McDowell

DL, Michigan State

The Washington Redskins have been very competitive over the past two seasons, which made it a shock when news came down that they had let general manager Scot McCloughan go. As the team heads into 2017, there is still plenty of question marks, especially around starting quarterback Kirk Cousins. Cousins is playing under the franchise tag once again this season, and it is likely that it could be his last season with the team, if they do not deal him this offseason.

On the defensive side of the ball, the team did a nice job bringing in some help in the secondary, signing D.J. Swearinger. Terrell Pryor was brought in to play wide receiver, which was a good thing considering the Redskins lost both Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson to free agency. It should be a very interesting season in the Nation’s Capital, as they look to remain strong in a very tough NFC East.

With their pick at No. 17, we like them to bolster their defensive line. The Redskins were run over far too often during the 2016 season, and being able to stop the likes of Ezekiel Elliott twice a year has to be a priority. Malik McDowell is a player who can play in any scheme, and if the Redskins bring him in, they will finally have someone who can not only clog up the middle, but also move to the outside and get after the quarterback when needed.

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