Malcolm Brown, Texas DT: Seahawks Draft Profile

The injury bug bit the Seattle Seahawks hard in the 2014-15 season on the defensive line. Brandon Mebane‘s torn hamstring and Jordan Hill‘s knee and calf injuries left the ‘Hawks scrambling at DT in the playoffs. Enter Malcolm Brown, a versatile, athletic, 320-pound defensive lineman from Texas.

Fortunately, veterans Tony McDaniel and Kevin Williams were up for the challenge and played well in the absence of Mebane and Hill, but with McDaniel being 30 years old and Williams being 34, the ‘Hawks may need to bring in some younger talent at DT. Brown could add some athleticism and youth to the Seahawks’ oldest position group.

The biggest positive with Brown is his quickness. If left one-on-one with a guard, he doesn’t take long to get into the backfield. He has great feet for a 320-pounder, and uses his hands extremely well to disengage from blocks. He also has the size and frame that you look for.

Another plus for Brown is his versatility, a trait that Pete Carroll loves in his defensive players especially. He will line up everywhere on the line, and can be effective from anywhere due to his quickness and pursuit abilities.

It wouldn’t surprise me if the Seahawks try to bring in a versatile player like Brown to fill the role similar to what Red Bryant used to play. Brown could line up in the three-technique on passing downs and in the five-technique in short yardage situations.

Nov 8, 2014; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive end Cedric Reed (88) and defensive tackles Malcolm Brown (90) and Hassan Ridgeway (98) react against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Texas beat West Virginia 33-16. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

The negative that I see when I watch Brown, is his strength and leverage, not a good sign for a DT. He ends up on the ground when double teamed more often than you’d like to see from a player with a 1st round grade. I would like to see him at least hold the blockers in those situations.

With McDaniel and Williams nearing the end of their careers, the ability to absorb and hold blocks will be important for the Seahawks. Seattle already has a solid passing down DT with Hill, so adding strength and physicality will be priority #1 for Brown if he comes to Seattle.

However, he does have the frame and potential to be a space-eater in the NFL. If that part of his game does come around, we could be looking at a star.

For more on Brown, here is Marian Hinton, from Hook ’em Headlines.

What are Malcolm Brown’s strengths and weaknesses?

"He is very strong at the POA (Point of Attack), uses his hands well and plays with good leverage. High motor guy, always flying to the football and not taking plays off. Showed a lot of versatility his junior as he played up and down the LOS (Line of Scrimmage) in even and odd fronts. Makes an impact in both the run and pass game. Also stayed pretty healthy during his time at Texas, can’t recall him missing much if any time. His weaknesses is the fact that he lacks an elite first step."

What scheme and position does Malcolm Brown fit best in?

"I think he showed this year he can play in even or odd fronts. I can see him being an effective three or nose in the 4-3 or even as a 5 tech in the 3-4."

Do you see Malcolm Brown being available for the Seahawks at #31?

"If Brown performs well throughout the draft process I can see him going as high as the middle of the first round, which would leave Seattle out of Luck, but there is a chance he could slide and still be there come pick 31."

Ultimately, how successful do you see Malcolm Brown being in the NFL?

"I think Brown is going to be a great pro. I knew from the moment I saw him in the Under Armour game a few years ago that he was going to be a stud for Texas. Never once caused a problem off the field and always gave his all on the field even when things weren’t going well. Whoever gets Brown is getting a heck of a player and will be a very happy coach."

Malcolm Brown is a prospect with high-character and an extremely high ceiling. If available, the pick would make a lot of sense. However, Carroll and John Schneider rarely make the pick that makes sense at the time.

We’ll just have to wait and see.

Previous posts in the Seahawks Draft Profile Series:

Photo credit for all above pictures: USA Today Sports