Seahawks release 2017 second-rounder who never played
The Seahawks waived defensive lineman Malik McDowell on Thursday, cutting the cord with a 2017 secondround pick who never played an NFL snap.
A major concussion, suffered in an ATV accident, prevented the Michigan State player from suiting up as a rookie. McDowell was also arrested in December in Atlanta for disorderly conduct outside a nightclub.
His departure looks like the latest draft mishap for a team that’s had several since an epic 2012 haul that included current cornerstones Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner.
But since then, general manager John Schneider and coach Pete Carroll have selected one Pro Bowler, Tyler Lockett, who made it as a return specialist in 2015.
Seattle twice traded first-round picks for veterans, Percy Harvin in 2013 and Jimmy Graham in 2015, but neither netted the expected return on investment.
The 2016 second-round pick was divested in October’s deal for left tackle Duane Brown.
Two players Seattle picked, running backs Spencer Ware (2013) and Alex Collins (2016), became assets ... once they donned new uniforms, Ware in Kansas City and Collins in Baltimore.
A quick look back:
2013
Second-rounder Christine Michael had multiple chances to fulfill his significant potential and replace Marshawn Lynch, but he never did. Injuries sunk defensive tackle Jesse Williams, although fellow fifth-rounder Luke Willson was a nice role player at tight end.
2014
Center Justin Britt has been the steadiest blocker in recent seasons, but that’s not a high bar. Fellow secondrounder Paul Richardson flashed when healthy, all too infrequent an occurrence for the speedy receiver. Fourth-rounders Cassius Marsh and Kevin Pierre-Louis maxed out as backups.
2015
Lockett hasn’t done much since his rookie year and needs to step up to take heat off Doug Baldwin as part of an aerial attack that lost Graham, Richardson and Willson to free agency. The same goes for Frank Clark — he’s been productive as a rotational pass rusher with 22 sacks in three seasons — but he’ll command far more attention with Michael Bennett, Cliff Avril, Sheldon Richardson and so many others gone.
2016
First-rounder Germain Ifedi and third-rounder Rees Odhiambo have been part of the offensive line problems rather than solutions. Second-round defensive tackle Jarran Reed must improve alongside Clark. Converted wideout C.J. Prosise is fighting for a spot.
2017
McDowell was the top pick. Guard Ethan Pocic came off the board later in the second round and could solidify a spot next to Britt. Third-round cornerback Shaquill Griffin has a major opportunity to cement his worth with Richard Sherman gone. Defensive back Delano Hill, defensive tackle Nazair Jones and wide receiver Amara Darboh should also get time to prove they’re the kind of hungry, competitive players Carroll and Schneider value.