McDowell Visits, Palacio Re-Signs: Seahawks Notes for Monday

Michigan State defensive tackle Malik McDowell takes a visit

The Seahawks brought in McDowell to see how he might fit with Seattle. He has all the athletic skill to be a force in the middle of the defensive line. McDowell may especially help with an interior pass rush that was fairly weak for the Seahawks last season.

McDowell is 6’6” and 295 pounds. Even at that size McDowell ran a 4.86 40 at this year’s combine. (Let us be honest, though; if a defensive lineman is having to chase people 40 yards down the field very often something has gone horribly wrong with the defense.) He is quick and strong. Physically, McDowell has the potential to be a Pro Bowl player in the NFL.

The issue with McDowell seems to be his mental makeup. Many teams see him as a player who does not play hard every down. McDowell has at times appeared lethargic and unmotivated on the field. He did not do very well at the combine to address these issues either. Per CBS Sports (dot com), McDowell had the worst interview at the combine in March.

McDowell did have 26 tackles for loss in his last 23 collegiate games, though. If he can learn to focus, he can be a boon in Seattle for the interior line rush.

Seattle re-signs old friend

The Seahawks re-signed linebacker Kache Palacio on Monday. The former Washington State Cougar spent much of 2016 on the Seahawks practice squad. He was impressive in preseason last year, albeit mostly against subpar quality late in games. The undrafted Palacio finished with 16 tackles and a forced fumble in last year’s preseason.

Palacio has not played any meaningful snaps so far. Plus, the Seahawks have signed 2,945 free agent linebackers this offseason (and that is only a slight exaggeration). Palacio will have a tough time making the active roster.