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2017 NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up in Week 12

By Shawn Spencer

Nov 21, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Jalen Tabor (31) reacts as Florida Atlantic Owls misses the field goal during the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Jalen Tabor (31) reacts as Florida Atlantic Owls misses the field goal during the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 NFL Draft Malik McDowell
Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) gestures to the sidelines during the first half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

Malik McDowell (DL – Michigan State) vs. Ohio State

Malik McDowell wasn’t even on the depth chart Michigan State released prior to this game, but he has yet to be ruled out.

Despite the Spartans disappointing season, it’s hard to imagine McDowell not giving it a go and playing through an ankle injury in his final game against the Buckeyes.

Even at 70 or 80 percent, McDowell is a better option than anyone else Michigan State could send out on the field.

His talent and big game experience are two things the Spartans will have a hard time replacing if he doesn’t play.

If McDowell does play, he’ll face two of the best interior offensive linemen eligible for the 2017 NFL Draft.

Center Pat Elflein and right guard Billy Price should both be among the first 100 players selected in the 2017 NFL Draft.

McDowell, who is a first-round lock barring anything unforeseen, won’t see his stock slip if he struggles due to his injury and who he’s going up against. He can however improve his stock by stepping onto the field and toughing it out. Any positive impact he makes is just a bonus.

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