Drafting Buccaneers: 5 Players to Watch Sunday at the NFL Combine
Malik McDowell – Defensive Tackle, Michigan State
Personally, when I look at the Bucs’ defensive front I see the biggest need on the interior next to Gerald McCoy.
I mean, imagine what McCoy could accomplish with a legitimate threat playing next to him occupying the attention of the center a bit instead of the perennial pro-bowler being faced with double-team after double-team.
Malik McDowell from Michigan State could be the man to do it, and if he’s available at 19th overall there will be discussion about whether or not he’s the pick.
Of course, the junior from East Lansing could certainly help himself with a good combine performance as he’s been slipping a bit lately on draft boards.
Jonathan Allen from Alabama is by far considered the best interior defensive lineman in this class, but unless the Bucs plan to mortgage the franchise future for him, they aren’t getting him.
McDowell might be a consolation prize, but if he can show what we already know about him and even a little we don’t, he’s no slouch himself.
This is the time for the young man to prove how bad he wants it, and if he can, then teams like the Bucs will be looking for him when their turn on the clock come up.
We certainly went defensive line heavy in this one, but this doesn’t mean there aren’t good linebackers to watch on Sunday afternoon at the combine.
With the number of prospects on display there’s bound to be some other standouts besides the names here.
Who are some of the ones you’re looking for and why would you like to see these young men in a Buccaneers uniform when the 2017 season kicks off?
Let me know your comments down below or on Twitter anytime you like.
Come on back as we preview Monday’s final day of drills a little later on.