Round 6: Seahawks take DE Obum Gwacham at No. 209

RENTON – File this one under Seattle taking a late-round flier on a raw but exceptionally athletic prospect.

That would describe Obum Gwatcham, who began his college career at Oregon State as a wide receiver then made the unusual transition to defensive end. He was also a member of the Beavers’ track and field team, participating in the high jump and triple jump.

The Seahawks selected him with the first of their two sixth-round picks, more intrigued by his athleticism than they were concerned about his lack of experience as a pass rusher. That’s where Seattle envisions him, and he has no objections.

“That’s honestly what I want to do. That’s where I feel like I can excel most at,” he said.

Gwacham made 27 tackles and four sacks as a senior, which was his first and only year playing defensive end. While he acknowledged that it’s been a difficult transition, he said he’s had no trouble putting on weight and could add more if necessary. He’s up to 245 pounds – which is 25 pounds heavier than when he last played wide receiver – and he credits a voracious appetite for Chipotle for helping him bulk up. Seriously.

“I truly believe it did,” he said. “Throughout this process I’ve been eating Chipotle two, three times a day.”

Adding to Gwacham’s interesting background, he was born in Nigeria and moved to the United States when he was 7 years old.