DT. Michigan State. Malik McDowell . 12. player. 48. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have to know their defense can’t function at a high level until they get their front four figured out. Just when it seems like they have one problem solved, another pops up. Gerald McCoy hasn’t played like himself lately and is now hurt. Tampa Bay has to think about getting him some help along the interior. Somebody who can pull blockers in to free up the edge rushers. If McCoy is starting to regress, then adding to that position becomes paramount.
<p>Scouts remain high on Malik McDowell despite the epic collapse of Michigan State this season. He’s a big, athletic and quick defensive tackle who can really create some havoc up front. He’ll have to add a little more bulk given he’s lighter than common NFL defensive tackles but his elite length is something defensive coordinators would love to get a hold of. Odds are he’ll be anxious to get out of school with the way things are and the Bucs feature a system he’d do well in.<br />
</p>