National Football League

Michigan State Football: Will Malik McDowell go pro?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Michigan State football star Malik McDowell could be a first round NFL draft pick this year, but will he go pro?

Malik McDowell has been a great player for Michigan State football. He has the option to go pro after this season, but if he comes back then he will enhance the Spartans chances to contend in 2017.

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A recent Sports Illustrated mock draft had Malik McDowell going No. 18 overall to the Detroit Loins. Obviously, it’s way too early to tell where McDowell will end up or if he will even go pro after his Junior season. Players are always rising and falling each week in mock drafts.

However, if he decides to leave early despite this report then he will have to have a strong showing at the NFL combine. The combine will be an opportunity for him to shine with his size, strength and athleticism.

McDowell said before the season began that he wouldn’t leave unless he was a top-three pick in the 2017 NFL draft, but that seemed like more of an “ask me later” type of answer.

There are still four games to be played in this season and if McDowell continues to perform well, then it’s possible for him to rise in the many more other mock drafts that will be swirling about on the internet.

Though if he came back for his senior season then he would again anchor a now-seasoned Spartan defensive line. MSU could then possibly contend in 2017, which is why McDowell came to East Lansing in the first place.