Pick #35 Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State

[MontanaHawk05]

People keep calling him Bennett 2.0, but he's closer to the profile of Calais Campbell.

 

[vin.couve12]

People keep calling him Bennett 2.0, but he's closer to the profile of Calais Campbell.

So far I'd tend to agree. I also think that when he fires off at good pad level, he also reminds me a bit of Ra'shede Hageman where you saw him just completely destroy people at times, but was inconsistent.

McDowell's got a high ceiling at multiple positions for sure. I liked this pick a lot. Throw him in there next to Reed at 3 tech and see what happens between him and Jefferson. You pretty much know what you're getting with Rubin, which is fine and dandy at both spots. The goal is to elevate it and whatever happens happens.

 

[MontanaHawk05]

People keep calling him Bennett 2.0, but he's closer to the profile of Calais Campbell.

So far I'd tend to agree. I also think that when he fires off at good pad level, he also reminds me a bit of Ra'shede Hageman where you saw him just completely destroy people at times, but was inconsistent.

McDowell's got a high ceiling at multiple positions for sure. I liked this pick a lot. Throw him in there next to Reed at 3 tech and see what happens between him and Jefferson. You pretty much know what you're getting with Rubin, which is fine and dandy at both spots. The goal is to elevate it and whatever happens happens.

Yep.

Additionally, their comments about playing him all over the line suggest to me that they're still yearning for Red Bryant 2.0.

 

[Northwest Seahawk]

Malik is definitely gifted but his work ethic questions are concerning. That's an intrinsic thing and you can't coach that up. He has to do it himself, if he struggles motivation...it's a another wasted pick at the top of the draft for the Seahawks. I hope he doesn't turn into Lamar King 2.0.

Really your comparing him to King who played at freaking Saginaw valley state ya that's on par with a Michigan . C'mon on man let's not talk the absurd. One things for sure about playing in Seattle if you don't bring it the vets will call you out and Pete won't tolerate it . I just don't see that as an issue at all.

 

[Josea16]

My big problem here is that people seem to have amnesia when it comes to these dl picks. Clark and Reed were steals who were supposed to give us a dominant dl. Remember that? Anybody remember that? And don't get me wrong, they are good players, but they are not dominating from what I can see. Seriously how much draft capital do we have to throw at the dl?


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I dunno. I've been pretty happy with Clark so far. Can't be just me, right?

I remember his 10 sacks last year.

Only 10 sacks as a second year player? Like Lockett he is the start of our new core in 1-2 years. Clark is the real deal and is showing it already. I have fun wearing their jerseys on Red Friday. For the first time in my life I am fan of a upper teir team and also seeing an FO sucessfully transitioning from one set of core players to a new set like Pittsburgh and similar.

 

[Jac]

People keep calling him Bennett 2.0, but he's closer to the profile of Calais Campbell.

I'm excited that we got "Calais Campbell" this time around. I remember in 2008 that a few mocks had us picking up (the raw but physically freakish) Campbell, but Ruskell went with low floor/low ceiling Lawrence Jackson.

 

[jammerhawk]

Let us all hope McDowell is Calais Campbell 2.0. On this we need to have faith the team has identified something in McDowell's game they can tweak to make him just exactly that. I am hoping to warm up to this pick by watching him play.

The draft day several trades down while they netted the team numerous picks probably cost the team both King and Melifonwu both of whom had identifiable elite characteristics.

 

[Steve2222]

My big problem here is that people seem to have amnesia when it comes to these dl picks. Clark and Reed were steals who were supposed to give us a dominant dl. Remember that? Anybody remember that? And don't get me wrong, they are good players, but they are not dominating from what I can see. Seriously how much draft capital do we have to throw at the dl?


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lol Frank Clark is still a puppy. 13 sacks and 3 FF from #58 overall pick in 2015. I think every team in the league would take that production with that pick. He's already well on his way to being one of the leagues top sack artists and Reed had a more than fine rookie campaign. You expect these guys to be knocking on Cantons door the first day they put on a Seahawks jersey?

 

[jammerhawk]

I'm just hopeful the team has correctly assessed his interior pass rush ability, and he can learn some counter moves b/c the team needs a big fella who can bring pressure from the inside. I remain cautiously optimistic.

Added to Bennett, Avril, and Clark, this player could be part of a very scary pass rush package.

 

[Grahamhawker]

Looking at McDowell's tape there were times he was simply unblockable, getting massive penetration against double and even triple teams. And for a 6'6" dude forced to play nose his anchor was incredible at times; he would not be moved. If he can harness those skills, get more consistent..look out.

Remember Bryant at 5T and what he brought to that line from an anchoring standpoint? (one play that stands out- he anchored and collapsed the entire line, shutting down the run through the opposite B gap- for example) That was huge for the success of those defenses.

And this kid has that kind of ability, combined with better athleticism and pass rush ability.
He could be a complete game changer.

 

[bandiger]

Looking at McDowell's tape there were times he was simply unblockable, getting massive penetration against double and even triple teams. And for a 6'6" dude forced to play nose his anchor was incredible at times; he would not be moved. If he can harness those skills, get more consistent..look out.

Remember Bryant at 5T and what he brought to that line from an anchoring standpoint? (one play that stands out- he anchored and collapsed the entire line, shutting down the run through the opposite B gap- for example) That was huge for the success of those defenses.

And this kid has that kind of ability, combined with better athleticism and pass rush ability.
He could be a complete game changer.

D-line could be as good as the 2013 if it projects to expectations. Draft could be "A" tier if it shores up the weaknesses that were present the last two years.

 

[WindCityHawk]

I love this pick, and it sounds like his motor won't be a problem she he's surrounded by other professionals pushing to win every play. He will live up to the demands of this defense.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

Can't wait for this guy to prove people wrong. 1st round talent for sure, and on THIS team, they will get the most out of him. Gonna' be a beast, just like Clark (who many didn't like as a pick) is.

 

[RussB]

People keep calling him Bennett 2.0, but he's closer to the profile of Calais Campbell.

He reminds me of aaron donald to be honest. I watched alot of his film since they drafted him and man the guy is a beast. Can play any position on the d line and cant be blocked, he even got through triple teams on some plays. The combination of size power and speed is really impressive. I dont know how he fell so low some even saw him as better than guys like garrett and soloman thomas.

 

[lobohawk]

Was really impressed how this guy handled double teams in the clips from earlier in the thread. For a "rushing" DT it was pretty awesome.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

This team won't let him slack off, like people claim he did last year on a crappy team.
Reed will break him in half. That dude is nuts. In a good way

 

[Hawks46]

At first I was pissed because we lost out on King. After some thought, I like it. Here's why:

The only young guys we have on the DL are Reed and Jefferson. Jefferson hasn't show much yet and Reed isn't a penetrator. McDowell is the best penetrating DT in college.

Takes plays off: Malik is going to be in a rotation at first. He'll get limited reps to split with Jefferson/McDaniel/TBD. This could motivate him to take the spot, or hlep him stay focused in limited reps.

Physically, this guy is a top 10 talent. Our defense doesn't have a problem getting motivated, at least the DL. Not just the coaches, but guys like Bennett and Clark are going to get this kid fired up and coach him up. McDowell's only knock other than motivation was limited hand usage (common for guys out of college) and lack of a counter move. Bennett is going to help with that, as he has some of the best hands in the NFL.

I can't decide if this kid or Griffin is going to be my adopt a rookie.

 

[bighawk]

He is my next jersey purchase and our defense will be incredible.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

+1, def. gonna' be my next jersey purchase

 

[Grahamhawker]

At first I was pissed because we lost out on King. After some thought, I like it. Here's why:

The only young guys we have on the DL are Reed and Jefferson. Jefferson hasn't show much yet and Reed isn't a penetrator. McDowell is the best penetrating DT in college.

Takes plays off: Malik is going to be in a rotation at first. He'll get limited reps to split with Jefferson/McDaniel/TBD. This could motivate him to take the spot, or hlep him stay focused in limited reps.

Physically, this guy is a top 10 talent. Our defense doesn't have a problem getting motivated, at least the DL. Not just the coaches, but guys like Bennett and Clark are going to get this kid fired up and coach him up. McDowell's only knock other than motivation was limited hand usage (common for guys out of college) and lack of a counter move. Bennett is going to help with that, as he has some of the best hands in the NFL.

Another take on the DL over CB pick:

I see a lot of confidence in developing lower draft picks for the secondary. Recent history shows the coaching staff has been successful doing just that.

You can't develop 6'6"/ 295#/athletic (not saying McDowell doesn't develop- but that guys with his size and skill set are pretty rare).