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2017 NFL Draft: The Top 32 Prospects and How the 49ers Are Linked to Each

By Peter Panacy

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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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 /

No. 25: Defensive Tackle Malik McDowell, Michigan State

At 6-foot-6 and 295 pounds, it’s clear why Michigan State defensive tackle Malik McDowell could be a force at the NFL level.

The only issue has been injuries, which have certainly hurt his draft stock.

Yet Pro Football Focus put together a piece comparing McDowell to the 49ers’ first-round draft pick from a year ago, DeForest Buckner. In it, Josh Liskiewitz wrote:

"McDowell has all the physical tools to play this season at the caliber Buckner did last year, and the deeper his film and past production is delved into, the more likely it appears Michigan State’s star defender is headed in that direction."

Here’s the problem with the fit though — the 49ers already have Buckner. They don’t necessarily need another.

So it’s a bit easier to cross this selection off San Francisco’s watch list.