Scouting Report, Video Highlights and Predictions for 4-Star DL Malik McDowell

Malik McDowell is a 4-star defensive lineman who is a target of many elite programs. The Michigan native deserves all the attention he has received during this recruiting cycle.

He has visited Michigan, Ohio State and Michigan State in recent months, according to 247Sports, so he will likely play somewhere in the Big Ten.

With his great size and strength, McDowell also could get a look as an offensive lineman. The talented recruit warrants a more in-depth look as a prospect due to his great potential.

Player evaluations are based on review of tape at Scout.com, Rivals, 247Sports and ESPNU.

Who Is Malik McDowell?

247Sports

From Detroit, Malik McDowell is a big defensive lineman who attends Southfield High School.

He once prepped at Loyola High School, but the 4-star recruit is now a member of the Blue Jays, who also are home to 4-star Michigan commit Lawrence Marshall. The pair make up perhaps the most intimidating defensive line tandem in the country.

McDowell has been selected to play in the 2014 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

He is 38th in the 247Sports Composite Rankings, 40th in the Rivals 250, 41st in the Scout 300 and 68th in the ESPNU 300. 

Malik McDowell's Scouting Report: Strengths

247Sports

At 6'7" and 290 pounds, McDowell has fantastic size to play in the defensive trenches. He has a good surge at the snap to quickly engage with offensive linemen.

McDowell does an excellent job of using his strength to play big at the point of attack. He has no issues stacking a block before powerfully dropping his weight to anchor. Thanks to his long arms, the big man can press blockers off him to create space to get clean.

An athletic defensive lineman, McDowell has the agility and short-area quickness to make plays in pursuit. His value as a pass-rusher comes from his ability to convert speed to power quickly before getting under a blocker's pads. McDowell uses his hands well to fight to pressure the passer, plus he hustles on every snap. 

Malik McDowell's Scouting Report: Weaknesses

247Sports

McDowell's height can hinder him, evidenced by him playing too high and losing leverage every couple plays. He will need to improve in this area, as college offensive linemen will surely take advantage of this weakness.

If a team is looking for McDowell to lead them in sacks or to make a ton of tackles behind the line of scrimmage, they may have the wrong guy. He has solid quickness to get out of his stance, but there are more explosive defensive linemen in this 2014 class.

Malik McDowell's Full Ride Highlights

This is a mixtape of highlights of McDowell in the Full Ride video series. It shows him being a physical presence in the trenches, plus McDowell flashes a great burst to finish on the ball on a couple plays. This is a must-see highlight tape.

Senior Highlights of Malik McDowell

Here are some senior highlights of McDowell this season at Southfield High School in Michigan. He plays defensive end for the Blue Jays.

On the second play of this tape, watch how the big man explodes at the snap to walk his opponent deep behind the line of scrimmage.

More Senior Highlights of Malik McDowell

Here are some additional senior highlights of McDowell this fall. It appears he is producing and dominating his competition. There's no doubt that McDowell shows the skills to develop into a starting defensive lineman for an elite college program.

Predictions

247Sports

An uncommitted prospect, McDowell has Michigan and Michigan State as his favorites, according to 247Sports.

Michigan is the consensus prediction by the site's experts. 

Although he plays defensive end right now, McDowell will likely be moved to defensive tackle in college. He will become one of the best run-stopping defensive tackles in the Big Ten.

Edwin Weathersby is the College Football Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. He has worked in scouting/player personnel departments for three professional football teams, including the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns.