The Seattle Seahawks didn’t have a first-round pick in April after making a trade with the San Francisco 49ers. Instead, they used their first pick of the draft (No. 35 overall) on Michigan State defensive tackle Malik McDowell, a very exciting prospect with freakish athleticism.
Unfortunately, McDowell suffered multiple injuries this offseason in an ATV accident. Shortly after he was injured in the accident, McDowell sent out a statement saying his injuries weren’t career-threatening, and he’s been able to join the team as he recovers. McDowell was placed on the non-football injury list as the Seahawks went into training camp.
However, despite what McDowell has stated about his injuries, there is some talk now that he is “really hurt” and might never play again.
https://twitter.com/NEPD_Loyko/status/904845333204742144
Seattle has been pretty tight-lipped about how badly McDowell was hurt in the accident.
Whether as a short-term or long-term answer to this situation, the Seahawks have since made a trade with the New York Jets to acquire Sheldon Richardson. He fills the void that the Seahawks thought they filled when they drafted McDowell and comes in with just one year left on his contract.
The team will have to figure out how McDowell fits or does not fit into its long-term plans before free agency opens up next March.