The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly brining defensive lineman Malik McDowell into The Star this week for a visit, as they decide whether or not to potentially sign him for the 2019 season.
McDowell is a former second round pick of the Seattle Seahawks, who fell to day two because of what scouts call “off the field” or “character” concerns. McDowell did not last long with Seahawks, as he was released in 2017 following an ATV accident in which he reportedly suffered “extensive brain and eye trauma” according to Charles Robinson.
None of us know much about who Malik McDowell is as a person, or what concerns their really should be with his health. But what I do know is that on tape at Michigan State, McDowell was a top 5-10 player in the 2017 draft class. He was a stud, and has the traits to continue to be a stud in the NFL.
Back in 2017 I wrote a full scouting report on McDowell, detailing why he earned such a high grade on my board. McDowell is a versatile linemen who is explosive off the ball, powerful and rangy against the run, and a skilled pass rusher who plays with a high motor. What more could you really ask for?
“McDowell is a patient pass rusher at times, setting up the blocker how he likes and then beating them with ease. McDowell’s ability to swipe hands off helps him greatly, but his quick swim is his most effective pass rush move.
On this play he uses that swim to perfection, forcing the center to power down to the right before swimming back to the other side.”
When the Spartans went to a three man pass rushing front, McDowell moved to the EDGE often and made plays with his quick, active hands and impressive swim move. He was much more impressive on the interior, however, and could be a direct replacement for David Irving as an explosive and powerful 3-technique for the Cowboys.
I love that the Cowboys are bringing McDowell in for a free agent visit. His price will likely be low, as he is yet to play in an NFL game over the last two years, but his ceiling remains very high if he is healthy. It’s rare for a player with his college production, natural ability, and measurables to completely fail in the NFL.
Maybe all McDowell needs is a second chance to get his head right and prove that he belongs in the league. Maybe he flames out quickly and can’t get on the field due to “off the field” stuff. Or, maybe he simply isn’t healthy enough to contribute as an NFL player. Regardless, for the price he’ll likely command, McDowell is well worth the risk if the Cowboys are willing to take it.
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Kevin, love your work but I am gonna have to call you out on this. When you start a piece with a HUGE pre-qualifier saying a guy who had extensive brain and eye injuries in ’17 AND was a huge negative character issue guy is someone the team should take a look at..well, that is really frustrating as a fan. These last few seasons the team has consistently wasted 2nd round draft picks with Gregory, Charlton, Escobar, etc. You bloggers love to focus o nthe high success rate of our 1st round selections, which is true but…They don’t have a 1st, so any free agent move needs to make perfect sense in $$ and depth. Yes, “IF” he has completely healed and “IF” he has learned that playing in the NFL is a gift then maybe he “MIGHT” be a good addition at the right cost. His game tape is dated…several seasons ago. LOTS of caveats. VERY young team, so a head case can be cancer in the locker room. Has the brain trust NOT learned their lesson with dubious previous signings like Hardy, Irving, etc?
Gregory didn’t look like a wasted 2nd round pick this last season. Finally started seeings why he was considered a top pick before off field issues. He has had set backs, is young & needs guidance. Can’t just give up on the kid, he has tremendous talent & once he gets straight with the off field nonsense he’ll be a damn good player! McDowell is a low risk high reward move that can be signed for a fairly cheap contact, if he doesn’t make the team right away he could be stashed away on the practice squad. Doesn’t hurt to take a look at a player who can be a solid rotational piece & wouldn’t be much $ to aquire especially with Marinelli on staff who is known to get the most out of his guys on the field, tapping into their full potential. Team has shown that they have a strong locker room presence, guys such Irving didn’t have any effect on the other players, they were rooting for him to get back on the field but even though he never did it didn’t have a negative effect on them, these guys are playing for each other, learning from one another, supporting their teammates which is making that bond strong & they play hard for their coaches in Marinelli & Richard. We’ll have a strong draft too like usual but always nice to have depth & talent cause can never get enough of that