NFL Draft 2017 Results: Seahawks select defensive lineman Malik McDowell out of Michigan State

With the 35th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks have chosen Malik McDowell out of Michigan State. John Schneider and Pete Carroll have earned the reputation of being extremely unpredictable over the past seven years, but this selection makes sense. McDowell visited with the Seahawks leading up to the draft.

McDowell is extremely talented and versatile. He looks to slot into Seattle’s defensive line rotation from day one. Many NFL evaluators say that McDowell might be one of the five most talented players in the draft. When he is on, he is on. McDowell’s effort is a concern for some, but if he can put it together, there is no telling how destructive he can be on a line that already contains Michael Bennett, Cliff Avril, and Frank Clark.

Now that the Seahawks have their defensive lineman, it looks more than likely that they will go after a defensive back with their next pick(s?) in the second round.

Highlights:

NFL.com profile:

Slippery and long. Combination of arm length and flexible torso allow him to slither into gaps and create disruptions for blockers. Freaky combination of size and athleticism. Can overwhelm blockers with pure strength and explosiveness when his feet are right. Strong enough in lower half to play through contact and cause stress in the pocket. Has tremendous amount of untapped potential waiting to be unlocked. Quick, strong hands in pass rush. Able to attack the edge with club-and-swim pet move. Can crank up a pocket-caving bull rush. Can redirect his weight and maintain pursuit of scrambling mobile quarterbacks. Long frame and play speed can close out perimeter runs and foil them before corner is turned. Elite playmaking radius. Explosive lateral movement and quickness. Can bound from one gap to the next in Sparty's slanting defensive front. Will be extremely difficult to cross face as he learns the position. Has experience up and down the defensive line.

Seahawks positional needs (in no particular order):

• Cornerback
• Defensive tackle
• Offensive guard
• Wide receiver
• Linebacker
• Quarterback

Remaining Seahawks draft picks:

Round 2: 58

Round 3: 90, 95, 102, 106

Round 4: 111

Round 5: n/a

Round 6: 187, 210

Round 7: 226, 249

2017 NFL Draft Schedule:

Thursday, April 27 - 5:00 pm PT (Round 1)

Friday, April 28 - 4:00 pm PT (Rounds 2-3)

Saturday, April 29 - 9:00 am PT (Rounds 4-7)