McDowell, Brantley Interview Poorly; Tabor Mixed
Every year at the NFL Scouting Combine, some prospects harm their draft stock by interviewing poorly. Sources have said that two players who did that this year are Michigan State defensive lineman Malik McDowell and Florida defensive tackle Caleb Brantley. Both players could see their standing drop on team boards as a result. Sources add that Florida cornerback Jalen Tabor had mixed interviews while in Indianapolis.
Prior to the combine, teams had concerns about McDowell's work ethic and motor. When presented with questions on those topics, he didn't give good answers, and those issues will continue to be a weight on where he ends up on team's boards. Meanwhile, sources say that Brantley comes across as very immature. Teams had heard he had progressed in 2016 over previous seasons from the Gators' staff, but he still is lacking maturity for the NFL.
Tabor was a mixed interview. He didn't do as well when asked about off-the-field issues, but teams said he came alive when discussing football. He was impressive talking about the game, and sources say he's a bright person. They were much more optimistic and positive about Tabor's transition to the NFL than McDowell or Brantley.
Some teams might be wary of Tabor, but sources feel that he is a real talent, and they think Tabor will probably be a first-round pick. They think that McDowell and Brantley are first-round talents, but could easily slip to the second day.