Photos: Malik McDowell through the years

Michigan State's Malik McDowell arrives for the first round of the 2017 NFL football draft, Thursday, April 27, 2017, in Philadelphia.

Michigan State's Malik McDowell arrives for the first round of the 2017 NFL football draft, Thursday, April 27, 2017, in Philadelphia.

Michigan State's Malik McDowell arrives for the first round of the 2017 NFL football draft, Thursday, April 27, 2017, in Philadelphia.

Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell does the broad jump during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Former Michigan State defensive lineman Malik McDowell participates in a drill during the NFL combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2017 in Indianapolis.

Michigan State's Kevin Williams and Malik McDowell at Pro Day.

Former Michigan State defensive end Malik McDowell runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 5, 2017.

Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State defensive end Malik McDowell speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan State defensive lineman Malik McDowell during practice at the Duffy Daugherty football facility in East Lansing MI. Monday, August 22, 2016.

Don't expect Michigan State's Malik McDowell to slip out of the first round of the NFL draft.

Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) stands on the field between plays during the second half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell injures his ankle during the third quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium.

Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell rushes against the Wisconsin Badgers in the first half Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016 at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Michigan State defensive lineman Malik McDowell points to the sidelines during the first half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium.

Michigan State defensive lineman Malik McDowell gets pressure on Illinois QB Jeff George Jr. last Saturday. This didn't happen enough for the Spartans. And hasn't this season.

Junior defensive lineman Malik McDowell celebrates a tackle during the game against Michigan on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016 at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. Michigan defeated Michigan State, 32-23.

MSU needs the best game of Malik McDowell's career Saturday if it has any chance to be competitive against Michigan.

Junior defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) and redshirt freshman cornerback Josh Butler (19) sack Northwestern quarterback Clayton Thorson during the game against Northwestern on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016 at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Michigan State University junior linebacker Shane Jones (49) and Michigan State University junior defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) bring down BYU senior running back Jamaal Williams (21) in the second half of MSU's game against BYU Saturday, October 8, 2016 in East Lansing.

Malik McDowell, who was ejected after being flagged for a targeting personal foul call on Indiana QB Richard Lagow Saturday, will have to watch the first half in the locker room before being allowed to play after halftime.

Junior defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) celebrates with freshman defensive lineman Raequan Williams after forcing a Wisconsin fumble during the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016 at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. Wisconsin defeated Michigan State, 30-6.

Michigan State University junior defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) pushes lineman Colin McGovern back into Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer as he tries to throw a pass in the second half of the Spartans game against Notre Dame Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016 in South Bend, Ind.

Michigan State University sophomore safety Khari Willis (27) and Michigan State University junior defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) celebrate after Willis recovered a fumble in the first half of the Spartans game against Notre Dame Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016 in South Bend, Ind.

Michigan State University junior defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) makes a tackle in the first half of play against Furman in the Spartan's opening game of the 2016 season Friday, Sept. 2, 2016, in East Lansing.

Michigan State University junior defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) sits on the field after hurting his arm in the first half of play against Furman in the Spartan's opening game of the 2016 season Friday, Sept. 2, 2016, in East Lansing.

MSU junior defensive tackle Malik McDowell was the most heralded recruit of the Mark Dantonio era. He's also become one of the more intriguing characters.

Michigan State junior Malik McDowell has changed some of his ways since he arrived on campus, but the intimidating defensive tackle is as headstrong as ever. That determination and stubbornness keeps paying off for MSU.

Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) signals possession during the Spartans' Big Ten championship win over Iowa.

White team quarterback Messiah deWeaver (10) runs past Green team defensive lineman Malik McDowell during the Green and White Spring Game on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at Spartan Stadium.

Spartans Malik McDowell (4) gets pressure on Alabama quarterback Jake Coker (14) as he throws a pass in the first half of the 80th Annual Cotton Bowl Classic between Michigan State and Alabama Thursday, December 30, 2015 in Arlington, Texas.

Michigan State's Malik McDowell pursues Central Michigan's Jahray Hayes during second half action in September.

Air Force Falcons quarterback Karson Roberts has pass hurried by Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 35-21.