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After trading down three times in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks finally made their first pick. If you were expecting an offensive lineman or a cornerback, you’ll have to wait until pick #58, because the Seahawks opted for interior defensive line help by selecting Michigan State’s Malik McDowell with the 35th overall pick.
Related: Follow the entire 2017 NFL Draft through SB Nation’s special draft tracker
Interior pass rush was one of the needs the Seahawks had to address, and they were able to get one of the best available d-linemen on the board. McDowell didn’t impress at the combine and there were question marks about his effort on the field, but he’s definitely a talented player, and it’ll be interesting to see how he fits in Seattle’s defensive scheme moving forward.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to the selection.
Garbage
— Jared Stanger (@JaredStanger) April 28, 2017
oh wow (!!!)
— Zach Whitman (@zjwhitman) April 28, 2017
And they dont even go OLine. Hahahahahahahaha. Fuck russell i guess
— Lets Dance. #Madness (@LAHohn_Sports) April 28, 2017
Not a big fan or Malik McDowell or his effort on film.
— Mike Loyko (@NEPD_Loyko) April 28, 2017
If nothing else, #Seahawks moving back so much indicates their value board is aligned pretty close to what's happening.
— Chase Goodbread (@ChaseGoodbread) April 28, 2017
More like MaLIKE, amirite
— John Fraley (@johndavidfraley) April 28, 2017
I do like they finally took a young guy. Quite a statement on the whole OL class to pass up at 35.
— Zach Whitman (@zjwhitman) April 28, 2017
Malik McDowell’s gonna be a heck of an offensive tackle for the Seahawks.
— Niners Nation (@NinersNation) April 28, 2017
When we joked the Seahawks might ignore their OLine again, I didn't actually think it'd happen...
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) April 28, 2017
Seahawks had a good number of sacks last year, but their pressure was inconsistent. Even Damontre Moore was an impact addition.
— Brian Nemhauser (@hawkblogger) April 28, 2017
Malik McDowell: Almost identical data profile to Richard Seymour from size, athleticism and production standpoint. Same sack criticism too
— Jim Cobern (@Jimetrics) April 28, 2017
If Malik McDowell's Motor Revved consistently he would've been a Top Ten pick. This is consistent w/high upside/high risk Seahawk mentality
— Brock Huard (@BrockESPN) April 28, 2017
Malik McDowell's weight/40-time is rare. Not up there with Donald, Atkins, but right on the next tier. Mostly all good DTs there.
— Field Gulls (@FieldGulls) April 28, 2017
Welcome to the Team brudda @MSU_LEEK4
— Earl Thomas (@Earl_Thomas) April 28, 2017
Related: 2017 NFL Draft Day 2 results
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