NFL Draft 2017: Top Prospects from Michigan State

Interior defensive line: Malik McDowell (Junior)

Lance Zierlein ranks McDowell at #2 in his Top 10:

"An NFC scout recently told me that every time he watched McDowell, he felt like he was watching an Oregon game thanks to his similarity to former Duck defenders like Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner. McDowell has very similar size (6-6, 280, according to school measurements) to the aforementioned first-round selections, but he might have even more ability as a potential disruptive force. McDowell plays on the interior for MSU but could easily play base end in a 4-3 scheme or defensive end in a 3-4. He’s long and slippery with an ability to flip his hips and get over the top of blockers. He has the foot quickness to beat blockers to the spot as well as pursue quarterbacks and runners. Look for a huge step up in pass-rush production from the talented junior."

Often compared to DeForest Buckner, McDowell could also hear his name called in the first ten picks of the NFL draft. ESPN analyst Todd McShay is also high on McDowell based on his June tweet, “Still have a ton of prospects to study this summer but so far the best I’ve seen is Michigan State DT Malik McDowell”.

McDowell doesn’t lack confidence either, “I think I’m the best D-lineman in the country, I can’t lie,” McDowell told MLive.com earlier this spring. “So if you want it and you ask for it, you’ve got to be willing to take on the pressure.” So now it’s time for McDowell to continue the Spartan’s run of excellent defense, and if he does he could be in for a big payday come next April.

Linebacker: Riley Bullough (Inside), and Ed Davis (Outside)

Going into the 2016 season, Riley Bullough finds himself on all the major defensive award watch lists including the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Bronco Nagusrki Award, and the Butkus Award. Bulloch also finds himself ranked in the Top 5 senior inside linebackers according to CBSsports.

Originally committed to Michigan State as a Running Back, he made an early shift to Full Back. Then, after taking a redshirt as a freshman, he permanently moved to defense. He has settled into the Mike (inside) linebacker position and is responsible for making the defensive calls and adjustments.

Coming off an excellent 2015 campaign, his first as a starter, Bullough will be asked to take more of a leadership role in 2016. As a three-down linebacker Bullough should never have to leave the field which will benefit an already talented Michigan State defense.

Riley is more athletic and just as intelligent on the field as his brother Max, who held down the middle of the Spartan defense from 2010-2014, before ending up in the NFL with the Houston Texans. If he continues developing his skills and putting up numbers on the stat sheet, he should hear his name called on draft day, possibly early on day 3.

Ed Davis was granted a 6^th year of eligibility by taking a medical redshirt in 2015 after tearing his ACL in fall camp. He’ll need to prove to NFL scouts that he is fully recovered and capable of being an impact player again.

Used as a ‘star’ Linebacker (similar to the money linebacker role in the NFL) in Michigan State’s system, two-years ago Davis was one of the top pass rushing linebackers in the Big Ten. If he proves healthy, he has the skill set to be a situational pass rusher with upside in the NFL.

Defensive back: Demetrious Cox

Demetrious Cox is a natural free safety who has played multiple defensive back spots in Michgan State’s defense. Injuries forced him into a part-time corner back role last season and he never really looked comfortable. Once he moved back to free safety, he seemed to settle back into his role.

As the secondary struggled, so did his confidence. As Conner Muldowney recently noted in a Spartan Avenue article, “Too many deep routes got past him and opposing quarterbacks sometimes had a field day because of missed assignments between him and Montae Nicholson. That will change with another year under his belt. Confidence comes with experience, and Cox will have both of those in 2016.”

Next: NFL Draft 2017: Top Prospects from Michigan

Cox is a solid run defender but needs to improve his coverage skills. So, if he can continue to improve his coverage skills and put his 2015 struggles behind him, he could find himself as a day three consideration at free safety.