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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Defense rules the day

By Brad Weiss

Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates after a tackle in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates after a tackle in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-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

This offseason, the main focus of Washington Redskins fans is what the team is going to do with quarterback Kirk Cousins. Cousins will once again play under the franchise tag in 2017, which means his time with the team may be coming to a close. The Redskins have been pretty successful the last two season with Cousins at the helm, but their inability to get a push up front on defense has haunted them.

At No. 17, the Redskins should look to bolster their defensive line, and Malik McDowell fits the mold in what they need in a player. McDowell has the ability to not only clog up the middle on run plays, but also get to the quarterback, making him a solid NFL prospect. He had some injuries during his time at Michigan State, but he should be at 100 percent by the time he takes the field for the first time in the NFL.

There is major dysfunction at the top of the Redskins organization, so who knows what they will do with this pick. They also may swing a deal to get a higher pick for Cousins, as they may not want to pay him franchise tag money. A pick like McDowell makes sense, but as we have seen in recent years with this franchise, anything can happen on draft night.

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