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2017 NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up in Week 5

By Shawn Spencer

Sep 22, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) warms up before their game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 22, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) warms up before their game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) scores a on an interception return during the second half of a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) scores a on an interception return during the second half of a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

Malik McDowell (DL – Michigan State) vs. Indiana

Junior defensive lineman Malik McDowell has stated he won’t declare for the 2017 NFL Draft unless he’s projected to be a top-three pick. While he’s not there yet, his play this season has him trending in the right direction. He’ll have another opportunity to boost his stock against Indiana’s Dan Feeney, the top offensive guard prospect in college football.

Feeney has blocked for some of the nation’s top running backs such as Tevin Coleman, Jordan Howard and now Devine Redding. Feeney is questionable for this game, so the one-on-one battle may not even occur, but McDowell needs to face the best in order to improve his stock.

McDowell did struggle shedding blocks in Michigan State’s loss to Wisconsin last week, however his performance overall this season has been positive. If there’s any chance for him to be selected within the first three picks of the 2017 NFL Draft he must excel against the nation’s top interior lineman prospect.

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