2017 NFL Mock Draft: Big Trades Reshape Both Conferences

Malik McDowell . 9. player. 48. The defensive line for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has really been a mess. They’re still searching for a consistent pass rush and now their best player, Gerald McCoy is battling injury problems. If that 4-3 scheme is ever going to work, they need a front that can apply pressure on its own. So there is no shame in continuing to add talented pieces whenever the opportunity comes up. There is also the added benefit of maximizing their talented linebackers of Lavonte David and Kwon Alexander. <p>Malik McDowell is currently caught in the vortex of a team free falling through their schedule. Such occasions makes it easy to miss how good a player actually is. There is plenty to like about the young defensive tackle. In addition to being a quick, shifty interior pass rusher he also displays the ideal length teams look for. It allows him to gain certain advantages that some defensive linemen just don’t have. His game is still raw in some areas, but if he ever put the pieces together it could be special.</p>. DT. Michigan State