NFL Draft 2017: Top 3 Defensive Tackles Who Could Be Seahawks

The Seahawks had issues with their interior pass rush in 2016; these picks could be the fix

The days of moving Michael Bennett inside on obvious passing downs are coming close to an end. Is Bennett still capable of being dominant? Yes. Is he almost 32 years old? Yes. Does he need help from the rest of the Seahawks defensive line in rushing the passer from the interior? Yes. Is he still one of the coolest human beings on Earth? Again, yes.

But Bennett needs assistance. The Seahawks do not need to draft another run-stuffing defensive tackle. They need one who can beat the guard and center and take the quarterback down and take him down hard. Seattle needs to get a young pass-rushing interior lineman who can be the next Michael Bennett.

Here are the top three defensive tackles who might also be able to sack the quarterback in this year’s NFL draft and who could also end up as Seahawks.

Sep 2, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) hits Furman Paladins quarterback P.J. Blazejowski (7) during the first quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

Malik McDowell, Michigan State

McDowell has the size, speed and strength to be great. He simply needs to have the consistent intensity and desire to do so. 12th Man Rising has more on McDowell in this recent article.

Nov 7, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Brantley (57) tackles Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Johnny McCrary (2) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida defeated Vanderbilt 9-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Caleb Brantley, University of Florida

Brantley did not put up huge sack number at Florida. What he does do well is help free up his teammates for quarterback pressures. This is because he has the skill – and the fact that opposing teams fear he will sack the quarterback himself – to be a beast inside. Teams may worry about a recent police report mentioning Brantley’s name. It appears Brantley did nothing wrong, according to SECCountry.com. Brantley is a natural fit in a 4-3 defense, which just happens to be what the Seahawks run.

Oct 31, 2015; Iowa City, IA, USA; Maryland Terrapins quarterback Perry Hills (11) is pressured by Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Jaleel Johnson (67) during the fourth quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa won 31-15. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

Jaleel Johnson, University of Iowa

Johnson is a bit of a paradox. He shows a burst of quickness at the line but ran slower than expected at the NFL combine. He had good stats in college, but his desire to be great has been questioned. As a defensive tackle at Iowa in 2016, though, Johnson has 7.5 sacks. This in a conference where passing is still not the first option of most coaches. He had a great game against Michigan. When motivated, he can be a disruptor. If the Seahawks go for Johnson, the guess is Bennett and Cliff Avril teach Johnson how to be a pro. This would be good for Seattle.

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