In a decision that should surprise no one, Michigan State defensive tackle announced today that he will be entering the NFL draft, despite a junior season that saw McDowell’s production dip significantly while he battled through, or sat out, because of injuries.
Given that McDowell often faced double or triple teams this year as opponents focused on stopping him, it probably isn’t a “difficult decision.” McDowell battled an ankle injury late in the year and whispers around the media covering MSU was that the defensive tackle could have played injured, but didn’t want to adversely impact his draft status.
So who’s next in terms of early entrants from the BIG into the NFL draft? This Saturday Tradition article from May made some predictions, one of which has come true. At this point it would be a shock if Michigan’s Jabrill Peppers and Ohio State’s Raekwon McMillan chose not to enter the draft. Northwestern stud linebacker Anthony Walker could also leave early.
Other possibilities emerge as well by looking at the top 2017 draft prospects on CBSSports.com. Note all players listed below are among the top 200 overall draft prospects according to CBSSports.
- Wisconsin OT Ryan Ramczyk
- Ohio State WR Curtis Samuel
- Ohio State CB Gareon Conley
- Ohio State DE Tyquan Lewis
- Ohio State OG Billy Price
- Penn State WR Chris Godwin
- Northwestern RB Justin Jackson
Big Ten Rumors 