What B1G players could be first-round NFL selections in 2017?

In its most recent mock draft, NFL Nation looked ahead to the first round of 2016's NFL draft and projected that seven Big Ten players would be selected.

Here at the Big Ten blog, we liked that idea -- so we decided to look ahead even further. Who are the seven conference players in 2017 who have the most potential to go in the first round?

Here's our way-too-early look ahead:

1. Michigan State DT Malik McDowell, junior

McDowell proclaimed earlier this month that he's the best defensive lineman in the country. And he may not be far off. As a sophomore last season, he racked up 13 tackles-for-loss -- but he hasn't even scratched the surface of his potential, according to Mark Dantonio. MLive's…