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New York Giants: Pros, Cons Of Selecting Malik McDowell In 2017 NFL Draft

By Maxwell Ogden

Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) points to the sidelines during the first half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) points to the sidelines during the first half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 20, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (95) during the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (95) during the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

Pro: Filling The Void, Part I

The New York Giants suffered a potentially damaging blow when defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins signed with the Indianapolis Colts. Hankins had spent the previous four seasons as a featured player on the Giants’ vaunted defensive line.

With Hankins now out of the equation, it would be wise for Jerry Reese and the Giants to find a replacement with similar upside and potential.

As previously alluded to, Malik McDowell is one of the best pass rushers in the 2017 NFL Draft. It’s rare that interior linemen truly excel in that regard, but McDowell is one of the rare players who can truly take over a game in that regard.

Although Hankins lost a step in recent seasons, he recorded 7.0 sacks in 2014 and 3.0 sacks in 2016 while continuing to flash the potential for greatness.

Furthermore, Hankins developed tremendous chemistry with Damon Harrison in defending the run. That void must be filled in order for the Giants to rediscover the glory experienced during the 2017 NFL regular season.

New York runs a 4-3 base defense, and the only way for it to be effective will be for a reliable player to be plugged in at the position of need.

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