Seahawks trade down to get USC DE Jackson

The Seattle Seahawks selected defensive end Lawrence Jackson of Southern California with the 28th overall choice in the NFL draft Saturday.

The Seahawks traded their 25th pick to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for that selection, plus Dallas' fifth-round pick (163rd overall) and a seventh-round choice (No. 235 overall).

Seattle president and general manager Tim Ruskell had lamented not having a fifth-round choice in this draft, so the trade fills that void. And the selection fills the Seahawks' need to bolster a defensive line that lost free agent tackles Chuck Darby and Ellis Wyms, though Jackson stayed outside at end for USC.

The pick does not fill the Seahawks' need for a pass-catching tight end. The top-rated tight end, speedy Dustin Keller of Purdue, was still available when the Seahawks selected. The New York Jets then selected Keller at 30th overall.

Seattle already has veteran Pro Bowler Patrick Kerney and young, sometimes brilliant Darryl Tapp at defensive end.

Even though they also had needs on the offensive line, at wide receiver and perhaps - for the long term - running back, the Seahawks selected defense first for the fourth time in five seasons. In 2009, defensive mind Jim Mora will replace offensive guru Mike Holmgren as Seattle's coach.

Jackson, known for his speed in getting into offensive backfields, was listed as 6-foot-5 and 268 pounds at the NFL combine in March. Jackson was a four-year starter for a powerhouse college program, another trait the Seahawks value.

Last season, The Associated Press named Jackson a second-team All-American.