2017 NFL Mock Draft: Mad Rush At Start For Top Defenders

15. player. 48. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have their franchise quarterback in place. So the offense can be dealt with in free agency and later rounds. If this team is going to compete in the NFC South they have to keep adding to the defense at every opportunity. Since they run the 4-3 scheme, that means loading up on the front line. Gerald McCoy is their best player but he’s had some nagging health issues. Besides it’s never a bad thing to give him help. <p>Malik McDowell has suffered through a down year at Michigan State. Not in terms of his own play but the programs’ success. Still it hasn’t impacted his draft stock too much. Scouts love his combination of size, length and quickness. He’s the type of defensive tackle that can ruin game plans for opponents if the light ever switches on. Already a good player, he has a chance to become a great one if the motor revs up and he smooths out his fundamentals.</p>. DT. Michigan State. Malik McDowell