Broncos Prospect Profile: Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State

Throughout the offseason, we’ll be profiling players who may end up in Denver when all is said and done with the 2017 NFL Draft. The Broncos clearly have plenty of holes to fill before they get back to Super-Bowl form and we’ll be examining a long list of players they may choose to help the franchise do just that.

Talent has never been an issue for Malik McDowell. As a top-50 high school recruit in the nation, McDowell had the opportunity to go to nearly any school in the country but ultimately he chose to stay close to home and attend Michigan State. After a three-year career with the Spartans, McDowell again flashed his talent at the NFL combine running a 4.85 40-yard dash. At 295 pounds.

Even though he was a two-time second-team All-Big Ten player in his collegiate career, McDowell didn’t live up to his potential—something that both concerns and excites NFL teams. With plenty of talent, however, the defensive lineman is slated to be a first-round pick in the draft.

Strengths

There isn’t much not to like about McDowell’s physical traits. At 6-foot-6, 295 pounds, McDowell blends his big and long frame—nearly 35-inch arms—with freakish athleticism to create almost an ideal defensive lineman for either a 3-4 or 4-3 defensive scheme.

In college, he proved that he can get the job done in a variety of ways as well—from playing every position on the defensive line to bull rushing and attacking on the outside.

“I’ve been playing all over the D-line my whole life. It was just something I picked up on growing up,” McDowell said at the combine. “(I) play everything up and down the line.”

What McDowell proved in college was that he has one of the most explosive first steps in football. With the potential to be excellent against both the run and pass, McDowell has nearly as much upside as any other defensive lineman in this year’s draft. The upside and potential for the Michigan State product is nearly limitless as he has all of the tools to be a star in the NFL.

Weaknesses

Just as much as scouts rave about his ability, they raise questions about his work ethic. With so much talent, McDowell could have been a much more dominant player in college. After having a promising sophomore season, registering 4.5 sacks, McDowell had a disappointing junior year as questions continued to swirl around his work ethic, heart for the game and leadership abilities.

When asked at the combine what teams told him he needs to work on he said, “Just playing hard every down.” However, he said that won’t be a problem in the NFL.

“We had a long year [at Michigan State in 2016],” he said. “I had a lot of stuff going on this past year, health reasons, just body stuff. Just little stuff, really. I was out there, I should have been playing, so that is what it is, but that ain’t something we’re going to have to worry about in the future.”

Along with off-field concerns, he also has a few aspects of his game that need to improve as well. As a strong and fast player, McDowell relied too much on his physical gifts in college. His fundamentals, including footwork and technique, are poor and while that got him by in college, it won’t in the NFL. His footwork often has him end up on the ground and his high pad level can lead him to getting controlled by blockers, especially when he’s double teamed.

McDowell’s consistency is also a major concern. One play he can look like the best player on the field and the next look below average.

How he fits in Denver

If Denver drafts McDowell, Broncos Country could quickly forget about the departure of another great defensive lineman named Malik. After Malik Jackson left Denver’s defensive line last offseason, the Broncos struggled mightily to find his replacement. In what would certainly have to be a first-round pick for the Broncos, Malik McDowell could be the answer to Jackson’s departure.

Even after the signings of defensive lineman Domata Peko and Zach Kerr, Denver could turn to the draft to continue to bolster their defensive line. If Denver picked up McDowell, he would likely be a day-one starter at defensive end opposite Derek Wolfe. McDowell’s potential and ability would be another very dangerous threat on Denver’s defense. However, it would be a high investment for a player that may not work for it.