Andrew Dowell is an extremely versatile player, but he was never expected to be drafted. While I’m sure he was hoping to find a home during the draft, he was quickly signed after the event by the Dallas Cowboys, a team who is a great match for his skills. I think this is a best-case scenario for Dowell.
The Cowboys have a formidable defense helmed by defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli. He should be able to use the unique skillset of Dowell well in his scheme.
Dowell played all four seasons at Michigan State as a linebacker, where he set career-highs last season as a senior with 8.5 tackles for loss, nine pass breakups, and 3.5 sacks. However, I think in the modern day NFL, where players have become more and more positionless, he could spend time as a hard-hitting box safety, tasked with covering tight ends and stopping the run.
Dowell was incredibly productive for the Spartans during his career, and I fully expect him to find success in the NFL for years to come, although he likely will never be a star.
His brother David will have an opportunity to be drafted next spring as he is entering his senior season for the Spartans as a safety.
