DL Malik McDowell still waiting, ending Spartans' first-round streak

Malik McDowell wanted to go in the top three picks of the NFL Draft.

Instead, he’ll have to wait a day to see if he will get taken in the top three rounds.

The former Michigan State defensive lineman was not selected among the 32 first-round picks Thursday night. Rounds 2 and 3 begin at 7 p.m. Friday.

A number of draft analysts and anonymous NFL talent evaluators considered the 6-foot-6, 295-pound McDowell one of the best defensive linemen in the draft based on physical skills. But concerns over his character arose during the NFL combine after he reportedly interviewed poorly with teams, and issues with his work ethic and ability to play through minor injuries raised red flags among scouts.

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McDowell played both inside at tackle and outside at end for MSU during its 3-9 season, totaling 34 tackles and 1.5 sacks in nine games while dealing with injuries all season. He missed the Spartans’ final three games in 2016 before opting to bypass his final year of eligibility, finishing his MSU career with 7.5 sacks and 90 tackles over 36 games, including 24.5 for lost yardage.

Thursday broke a streak of three drafts in which a Spartan was selected: offensive tackle Jack Conklin last year to Tennessee, cornerback Trae Waynes in 2015 to Minnesota and cornerback Darqueze Dennard to Cincinnati in 2014.

Rounds 4-7 start at noon Saturday. Safety Montae Nicholson and a handful of other former MSU players could be third-day selections.

Contact Chris Solari: csolari@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrissolari.