Less than a full year ago, former Michigan State defensive tackle Malik McDowell accepted his invitation to the 2017 NFL Draft in Philadelphia, only to see his name failed to be called in the first round. Though it only took three picks into the second round for McDowell to finally hear his name announced, it had to be a somewhat disappointing weekend for McDowell.
But that’s where the disappointment started for the young defensive lineman. McDowell suffered an off-the-field head injury during a serious ATV accident, and although initial reports suggested it was a short-term injury, it was quickly apparent this was much more serious, which Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll telling reporters back in August that McDowell could be out “quite a while.” Then reports starter to leak out that it could be a career-ending injury.
While that has yet to be confirmed, it certainly seems like his Seahawks career is over before it even began. As NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said on Monday, the expectations is for McDowell to be released by the team this offseason:
The #Seahawks have not yet cleared 2017 2nd round pick DT Malik McDowell, and source said they are expected to release him in the near future. The hope is that another team will medically clear him.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 16, 2018
Obviously, the Detroit Lions could use defensive line help, but if they can’t medically clear McDowell, he’s of no value to them. But let’s say Lions doctors clear McDowell, today’s Question of the Day is:
(If medically cleared) Should the Lions attempt to sign Malik McDowell?
My answer: Nope. Injury aside, there were plenty of reasons McDowell slipped on draft day. He was reportedly an “awful interview” at the NFL Combine, and his effort on tape was inconsistent at best.
Unfortunately, it seems McDowell is destined to let his unbelievable talents go to waste, whether he recovers from this injury or not. It’s sad to see, especially since McDowell is a local product born in Detroit and his versatility as a 3 or 5-tech defensive tackle would be perfect for the Lions. But Detroit needs to stay far away, McDowell just isn’t going to turn it around.
Your turn.