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New York Giants Select O.J. Howard In NFL Mock Draft 1.0

By Kenneth Teape

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces the draft picks in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces the draft picks in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Giants
Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) stands on the field during the first quarter of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

28. . Defensive Lineman. Michigan St.. Malik McDowell. 24. player

One of the nice surprises last season was the great season the Oakland Raiders were able to have. For quite some time in 2016, the Raiders were one of the best teams in the AFC. Sadly, Derek Carr was injured late in the season, and the Raiders ended up losing the AFC West to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Without their starting quarterback on the road, the Raiders were unable to beat the Houston Texans in the playoffs. While the Raiders had one of the best offenses in the league last season, their defense could have been better.

In 2016, Oakland’s defense was led by Kahlil Mack, who emerged as one of the best defensive players in the league last season. Now, it is time to get him some help. With the 24th overall pick, the Raiders will be taking defensive tackle Malik McDowell from Michigan State.

At 6’6”, 295lbs, McDowell will be entering the NFL with some excellent size to go with his skills. For a Raiders team that struggled defensively, having a player like McDowell on the defensive line will help draw attention from Mack. The Raiders were very strong in the trenches on the offensive side of the ball, but they certainly were lacking in that area on defense. Drafting McDowell in the first round will help that.

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