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Michigan State Football: 10 potential 2017 NFL Draft picks

By Connor Muldowney

Dec 5, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver R.J. Shelton (12) runs the ball during the third quarter in the Big Ten Conference football championship game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver R.J. Shelton (12) runs the ball during the third quarter in the Big Ten Conference football championship game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 24, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) celebrates fumble recovery against the Indiana Hoosiers during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) celebrates fumble recovery against the Indiana Hoosiers during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

There’s no reason Malik McDowell won’t make it four straight years with a Spartan selected in the first round as he’s already considered one of the top juniors who could declare for the 2017 NFL Draft.

Must Read: Michigan State Football: 5 position battles to watch this spring

Everyone who has followed Michigan State knows just how much potential he has as a top draft prospect, but he has even higher expectations for himself. He’s even said that he considers himself the best defensive lineman in the country — which would be tough to argue.

Just a couple of years ago, there was controversy regarding his letter of intent to play at Michigan State. His mother didn’t want him in East Lansing, but he pled his case and she ultimately gave in, signing the document and she has changed her tune about the school she once did not trust.

McDowell is now in the system as a star. He was a lightly-used freshman in 2014, recording just 14 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. His production basically tripled as a sophomore, picking up 41 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks to go along with an interception returned for a touchdown.

Related Story: MSU Football: 10 low-rated recruits turns NFL Draft picks

If he continues on the same path he’s on, McDowell could wind up finishing with over 50 tackles, 10 sacks and nearly 20 tackles for loss. However, that might not be realistic given the fact that most offensive lines will instill a double-team when facing him.

Look for him to be a top-15 overall draft pick in 2017 — if he decides to leave early.

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