Oakland Raiders: A Few Possible First Round Draft Targets

Malik McDowell (DT)

A weak interior defensive line is an area the Raiders have got to address when they’re making their selections this year. A lack of push up the gut allowed opposing quarterbacks far too much time to sit back in the pocket and pick Oakland’s defense apart.

Though the Raiders have some big bodies in the middle – Dan Williams, Justin Ellis, and Darius Latham – they would be wise to add another body or two to the rotation during the Draft. And given that they let Stacy McGee – who was their best interior lineman last season – walk away as a free agent, they need a big body that can have an impact

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Enter Malik McDowell. The former Michigan State Spartan is considered the second best defensive tackle on the board – behind only Alabama’s Jonathan Allen. Landing the 6’6”, 276 pound behemoth a big boon for a Raiders defensive line that needs some help.

With 34 tackles (20 solo), seven tackles for a loss, as well as a sack and a half, McDowell has shown that he has the ability to push the pocket and get solid penetration into the backfield. He has shown that he has a knack for making opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable.

What are perceived to be his biggest weaknesses (ie: footwork and technique) can be corrected by coaching him up. If he’s on the board when the Raiders pick, he could be a very sound investment for a team that needs some teeth on the interior of their defensive line.