DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Malik McDowell, Browns kind of guy

Malik McDowell, out of Michigan State and the "penal system", he doesn't seem to fit the Browns mantra of smart, tough, accountable.....he of recent prison time. I'd assume they did their due diligence....must believe in second chances. JMHO, I don't want to go down the Gordon and Manziel road again....GO Browns!!!!

If it worked out for Wild Thing Vaughn, it can work out for anyone.

Good, no, very good answer. Malik's life isn't over, I just hope he's found himself....GO Browns!!!

FWIW, we're getting McDowell on the opposite end of of his getting into trouble. For Gordon and Manziel, we were there such that we bought high and watched the descent.

I think there is a huge difference between investing in stupid and taking a flyer to see if somebody has screwed their head back on straight.

Our locker room, and the character of it's members, is more than enough to support someone who needs a break without derailing our mission. This is a fast moving train... he either jumps on or gets left at the station. Big difference between that and relying on guys that can't even seem to pack a suitcase.

We are not relying on McDowell for anything. Gordon and Manziel were supposed to be pillars of the franchise.

We gave up a second round pick investment for Gordon. We're taking a flyer on this kid.

Yup.... it's a Risk-Free Trial.

His draft comp, on SI, was Calais Campbell. If we get anything close to that ... we have to hope he stays out of trouble.

I think the only real downside is if he comes in, competes, wins a job -- and then becomes a headcase or problem on and/or off the field.

You cross that bridge when you come to it.

Exactly. It's not like were talking about him bumping a perennial pro-bowler.

I am taking a wait and see approach. Obviously he had a life changing experience and 11 months in jail to contemplate his life. Let’s hope his words are consistent with his actions.

Hope it works out. I love redemption stories, especially in the NFL.

He was drafted 35th overall by the Seahawks back in 2017. He hasn't played in the NFL, hasn't played football since 2016 with Michigan state, (I think).
Malik Mcdowell he's 6'6 295, could be any weight by now, but he has the size and playing History to both Get after the Qb and hold the edge from,
well basically he looks like a 4-3 guy in size.

Now, they can move him to the inside, some have talked about moving the edge rushers on the Browns to the inside but that takes away from your options to rush from the outside,
Maliks still 24, or 25 I think but less than 26 so if this is for the future, 2 or 3 years down the road, and I don't think it takes 2 years talent wise, I think this is a step in and play player, not a starter,
certainly not a starter with the Browns and all the big name edge rushers they've acquired But Another' guy, that teams are going to have to account for
He's got the size and lean, to get after it, and those guys are always worth taking a look at.
But when you take a look at the Browns, you've got Clowney, Garrett, McKinley, Malik Jackson on the inside, he may have a hard time getting onto the field but certainly worth taking a look,
on a normal team he could be a, at worst a 3rd or 4th option at DE to be a thorn in the side of opposing QB's for as long as he's here,
on the Browns he may have a tuff time getting onto the field, but certainly he's Another' option to apply pressure and get after an offense.

And don't forget about Curtis Weaver? Curtis is Another' option around the outside.
And don't forget about Damion Square, Well Square is a guy who may fit on the inside, as an, A pass rusher from the inside, but 9 years in the league 32 years old, With the Chargers, some, some of the sack production hasn't been as much as others but look at him he's another long lean 6'2 287, experienced vet; somebody teams will have to account for.

Again with Square, on a normal team, on a normal team he'd probably immediately step in and provide a change to the D-line, but with the Depth on the Browns it's going to take some time to see who gets defensive snaps, and with a 17 game, it's certainly not a bad thing to have depth, to have role players, to have game changers who can still come in and give the team quality posessions and make a bad day for opposing QBs.

Agree, I was just surprised he's getting a shot because of his background. I'm sure our present coach AND the team will make it crystal clear what the expectations are....hope he works out AND he's damn lucky he's getting a shot, JMHO....Go Browns!!!

Yeah, from what I've seen of both Stefanski and Berry, I imagine they were pretty straightforward and pragmatic about the whole situation. If he shows he has changed for the better and can show up on the field, then he has a shot at staying. If he slips up and is a detriment in any way, he is gone.

No downside to this.

I'll be rooting for the kid. Everybody deserves a chance at redemption.

Yup, same. I'm hoping he makes it and rises to be everything he could have been all along. That's good for him and good for the Browns, and it's a great story.

j/c

I see McDowell as a total wild card/bonus. It hurts us zero if we cut him tomorrow. He can only help us (and by all accounts, he could be a decent player)

I am as well.. Just keep thinking about Chris Carter..Booted by Philly, picked up by the vikings. All the drug problems.. and yet,, he's a HOFer.

That's what I'm hoping for. i know,, I know,, It's unlikely, but A guy can dream right

Yeah, there are examples of people who turn it around and have the lightbulb go off (both on and off the field). It’s kind of a no pressure situation for us

He just needs a good supervisor.

I for one love wild and violent defensive players.

EO- where did you get your info about "one" of his infractions. I probably missed it. You never really know what a young man will do once he's given millions. From his rap sheet he got drunk and was riding on ATV the wrong way. Hope he matured in prison and is a positive in Cleveland. I just don't want another Gordon...and I know this organization doesn't need this guy, he is ONLY a potential positive- hopefully good risk, and lots of reward for both parties.....Go Browns!!!!

I watched the TMZ tape. I didn't see anything the cop did that would seem heavy handed. It went way past a "ticket' situation and McDowell is the one who took it there.

That said, my earlier comment stands, I am glad he is getting a chance. I hope he takes the chance and makes it work.

I think it was more about him fighting a cop in a convivence store.

Whatever

Why search out a guys arrest tape anyway.

Did you feel good about Kareem Hunt?

The beauty of that is that none of our thoughts and feelings on it matter, dude is gonna do whatever he is gonna do.... and it doesn't set us back in any way, at all, if he doesn't work out. We're good and set without him. If he works out, however, we're potentially a lot better.

All that said, I have absolutely no idea how you watch an altercation from the past and feel it is an indicator of anything in the future or someone's ability to better themselves.

I think the Beauty is, there are probably not 13 people on the planet, who will end up playing Pro football in a 20 year span,
who can so elegantly dominate a pass rush edge as Malik McDowell for the few snaps he's motivated and in position to.

And there are a boatload of pro football DE's that spend so much effort trying to,
but some things just are unfair nature,

and I think that is a thing of beauty.

It is not fair at all, that someone who doesn't do everything right is much more talented than others who put in so much work trying to hone a lesser skillset.

But I'd take it for what it is, a thing of beauty.

The kid has a ton of talent and could be a very good NFL player. He also had a ton of attitude problems in college. If he has grown up he can be a steal. If he hasn't he needs to go ASAP as we don't need him to cause problems like he did at MS.

Just a guess on my part, but I'd bet you that's what will happen.

i gotta believe this guy has a much higher chance of getting it together than a Josh Gordon type of dude.

yeah I don't get it... after Malik was being a bit belligerent how hard is it to just say ok and call for back up.

I get the cop waiting to stay in the car but what the hell was that guy going to do against someone as big a Malik.... I mean that taser didn't do a darn thing against him.

Malik probably should have stayed in the car rather than go into the store.... but cop could have handled that a lot better...

The whole thing was more stupid than anything else. McDowell could have used better judgement he put his career and possibly his life in jeopardy over some bull$h*t as a black man in America you need to count the cost every time you encounter police. I don't know the law in Michigan but it looked like resisting and simple assault. Those are not major felonies. If I had to do those 18 months I'd be doing some serious self-examination so I never allow myself to get in that situation again.

FWIW . . .
Welcome to Michigan.

just another reason to avoid Michigan

I'd bet a good amount of money that Berry wouldn't have even considered signing the guy without us doing more than a little homework on him, and likely quite a bit and I would absolutely bet it involved at least a good ole fashioned "sit down and let's have a come to Jesus talk". I have little doubt that his short bit of time gave him a wake-up call of just what it is that he is on the verge of throwing away.

I think we have enough solid character types on this team that he will be surrounded by guys that set the example, and I don't doubt that he's been told he needs to learn from that example.

Lastly, I'd bet that it has been made very clear to him by Berry, Stefanski, his agent, and maybe even the Equipment Manager, that he has not made it, he has not "arrived", and he is on a short leash. We don't need him, but he definitely needs us.

I hope for the best, because that's what helps the Browns the most.

This works sometimes, and not others. Josh Gordon, Anotonio Callaway, and on the other side Kareem Hunt. Although none of these compare with McDowell's situation in terms of severity, they are all instances where the Browns took on players with character issues. I'm guessing Malik has a very short leash. I hope he truly understands the opportunity he's been given.

Well, without a valid license to drive, he should be concerned if pulled over, profiled or not.

I think McDowell will have to use limited opportunities to showcase that he has developed a well rounded game that includes even more than just rushing a QB.

J/C

Some things I didn't know about Malik McDowell: The dude can play 1-tech and do it well.

It sounds to me like MM might be a DE candidate.

The author really did a nice job there IMO. He mentioned (4) defensive player prospects in that video...and (3) of them are now on our roster.

Fun thought regarding the author's comment that MM needs to be in the right lockerrom with the right coaches......when that video was created, Cleveland might have been the last team on that list...and now we might be one of the top 6.

I'd rather see him inside applying pressure.

I think we might have put together a very versatile DL - players that can play multiple positions along the line depending on the down and distance. I could see them all moving around a little - but I agree, inside would be where I would have him as a mainstay (assuming he can still anchor like that).

Agreed.

I think you could see a decent amount of Clowney inside. But, predominately, I'd prefer to see him at DE.

Same goes with MM. Sure, he can play outside, but I think his value could be more inside.

I lean this way as well. If the choice came down to...say...Square vs either Malik...I would think that the ability to not-suck at DE gives the Maliks a leg up.

I don't expect that we'll "see" him for a long while, for the exact reasons you've described.

That's a very valid concern. I will say, though, that there's "tough" and there's "prison tough". It's a harsh environment even on a good day. A lot of the young guys I see getting released are in the best shape of their lives but I doubt any of them are remotely in NFL shape.

My experience with convicts is that when they get out they either resolve to never do anything even approaching that dumb ever again or they offend again rather quickly. I'm hoping McDowell is one of the smart ones.

I am giddy at the thought of this guy studding out and sharing the line with Myles & Jadaveon.

He has two VERY SOLID personas in those two to mentor him. Both a solid professionals, and both are just solid people.

I think that as long as he is coming in with the right mindset, this guy is gonna be alright.
Hopefully, he has been putting in enough training leading up to this to at least be in the same physical shape as the rookies.

I thought that Clowney was more of a personality that had to be managed rather than one you'd want to have manage others (?). Garrett will no doubt be a positive influence. If nothing else, he can just look at the fact that they were in the same draft class and were talked about having the same physical gifts. Garrett is enjoying his second contract and Malik is where he is.

I think the only real issue with Clowney is the perception of him taking plays off (which I have to wonder how much of that is someone seeing him play 2-gap and thinking he isn't giving effort to get to the QB) and him wanting to get paid like he hit the MegaMillions without the stats to back it up.
Beyond that, he's a solid, no-drama off the field, hard-worker that trains for every season like it's his last. Between he & Myles, I think Malik has some really good footsteps to follow.

I disagree about talent getting you nowhere. Wanting it with no talent gets you nowhere. Talent is what got him this 2nd chance.

But yeah, the wanting it is usually what takes a player over the top.

Hard Work wins when Talent doesn't want to put in the hard work.


BUT, when Talent does the work, you can't beat it.

The Problem ends up being,
with 3 or more players meeting at the sack to tackle the quarterback, convincing the refs that none of those 3 roughed the quarterback for a 15 yard penalty and an automatic first down.

It's a good problem to have but must be reinforced day after day.

https://dawgpounddaily.com/2021/06/03/cleveland-browns-malik-mcdowell-roster/

This article says some things about McDowell's better level of talent that is someone other than me saying them.

I can agree with that in normal settings. Not so much a pro athlete.

Some people can't throw 90MPH or run 4.4 forties no matter how hard they work. That 70MPH fastball or 5.2 forty just isn't going to get you anywhere.

You're overthinking it.

On the flip side some people improve the harder they work. In the NFL not everyone is a superstar or a stud player. Being as where I'm from I know of a baseball player who was not a superstar athlete to begin with. He just worked hard at his craft and got better and better over time.

His nickname was Charlie Hustle. His name is Pete Rose.

I'm not trying to discount what you're saying. I'm just saying it works both ways.

I would love to see the Browns hit it out of the park on Malik but I somehow believe we will survive if we don't.

That said I always pull for guys who have had trouble and Malik will be no different he has elite skills, I pray for his sake he has focused on improving and polishing up the skills.

Wouldn't it be great for him 1st and 2nd the Browns to hit on a great player? And for a great player to find themselves with the best team in the league?

A dynasty to follow. Another piece of the puzzle added!

I really enjoyed reading this post.

When I finished, I thought: "Just think what Browns fans sounded like just 3-4 years ago. Just think how many years you've spent reading diehard fans routinely expressing their frustration, hopelessness and despair. And now, just look at this."

I know you're AKA as 'Upbeat Dawg,' but that's not why I chose to respond to/piggyback your post. I did it because your post is so emblematic of the general tone and tenor of so many of us now. A shining example of how much has improved- and how tuned-in to it we all seem to be.

This little corner of the web is buzzing about as positively as I've ever seen it. And it feels great- because it means I'm not alone in the optimism I have. An optimism that is still kinda shiny and new- and still a little bit outside my comfort zone. I've spent a wholelotta years being cynical and curmudgeonly about this team. I'm sure that is why part of me still feels like a kid on Christmas Day, when I look at this team in 2021.

I wanna ride out this 'honeymoon phase' for as long as it will play... but I'm also hungry for that threshold moment when I stop being thankful for the absence of pain, and begin each season with an expectation of YPR: 'Yearly Playoff Relevance.'


It really does look like we're at the threshold of becoming a perennial NFL Presence.

My "Battered Dawg Syndrome" is still hanging on by a thread... trying to tell me to temper my enthusiasm, but I gotta tell you:

I can't freakkin' wait for this next season to start.

As a fan, I see an NFL that doesn't intimidate me. I see a CLE team who played with zero intimidation last year... and this year, they are that much farther along in The Process.

What a great place to be, relative to 1-31.


.02

Even more than polishing his skills, Ilklklklklklklklklklklklklklklklklklklklklklklklklklklklklklklklklklklklklklklklk, hope he has his mind right.

LOL...my cat had to come up and say hi to dad.

If his mind is right, the body will follow.
I'm betting he is in shape; good enough shape to get signed, anyway, but likely not in the kinda shape a player that has been doing this for a living would be in... I simply reference the things we've seen posted here recently from Myles, Clowney, Chubb, etc... it's a whole other level when it is your year-round lifestyle.

The NY Giants, appear to suddenly be a poorly coached or managed org.
The HC wants to encourage fights
after a mega fight the coach wants to punish the players with a 30 minute run. 4 Giants retired left the team outright in the week.

And then:

In about 10 days, iirc, the Browns and Giants are going to joint practice. Soo.

Could use Malik McDowell out there in the joint practices, he has an oblique injury last I heard. Get well soon.

Giants encouraging fights if it is about being bruised and bloodied that is the wrong way. But if you are doing that to encourage them could be trying to excite them.

I wonder how he looks against starters.
I'm super stoked for this guy.

McDowell played well enough that we aren’t going to be able to sneak him through waivers anymore.

No doubt he can dominate 2nd and 3rd team guys. That is what starter type players are supposed to do.

The general thinking to that point is he should be able to play to a stalemate to average starters as a minimum.

For some reason, I can't see this. Is it a twitter post? I usually see tweets ...

It looks like the Tweet was deleted.

Thanks - just tell me they didn't cut McDowell.