Avril our WILL?

[jlwaters1]

If people get the chance, check out Seahawks.com for the phone press conference video of Avril with the media and also Pete and Johns latest phone press conference.

From what I've gathered listening to those two videos is that Avril is to be the Day 1 starting LEO as Clemons recovers and because Irvin still has a way to grow, though they still really like him as a specialist for now.

For whoever asked above, left defensive end is the LEO position and the position Avril played at Detroit the last two years, though he did play Right defensive end (Red Bryant's position) his first two years there, so he's versatile and does have the skillsets to do some of the drop in coverage stuff that Carroll has had Clemons and Irvin do.

But he made it pretty clear. He's a pass rusher first and unless Irvin beats him out, he's the new starting Leo.

Listen to those conference calls again. While Pete did say that they didn't want to rush Clem back, he was clear that the Avril signing would not affect Clem's position at all... I take that to mean that Clem is still the LEO. He also specifically says that Avril dropped back a bunch and played linebacker. So while rushing the passer is what Avril does best, I can still envision him as a capable WILL especially given how much flexibility the secondary allows. We can be very aggressive with our front 7.

There is nothing in those interviews that suggest a full-time move to Lber. Anyone suggesting that is using wishful thinking. PC Said he's an edge rusher. Yes, it doesn't affect Clemmons position on the team, but SOMEONE will have to be the LEO starter for mini-camps and training camp. It's very unlikely that Clem will be back before the preseason. Therefore I think it's completely reasonable to assume that as of now Avril and Irvin will be fighting for the starting LEO job in OTA's/ Minicamps.

 

[Recon_Hawk]

If people get the chance, check out Seahawks.com for the phone press conference video of Avril with the media and also Pete and Johns latest phone press conference.

From what I've gathered listening to those two videos is that Avril is to be the Day 1 starting LEO as Clemons recovers and because Irvin still has a way to grow, though they still really like him as a specialist for now.

For whoever asked above, left defensive end is the LEO position and the position Avril played at Detroit the last two years, though he did play Right defensive end (Red Bryant's position) his first two years there, so he's versatile and does have the skillsets to do some of the drop in coverage stuff that Carroll has had Clemons and Irvin do.

But he made it pretty clear. He's a pass rusher first and unless Irvin beats him out, he's the new starting Leo.

LEO is RDE going against the LT. 5tech is LDE or Red's position. Avril played the LDE almost exclusively in Detroit. Before that he played LB . . . Poorly.

You're right.. Damn I keep getting those two turned around in my head. For some reason I thougt the positions were name when facing them from the offenses POV.. Going with that, you're right about Aveil playing Red's spot, too, the last two years, but it sounds like he'll be able to make more of an impact at the Leo.

 

[drdiags]

If he is looking for a nice contract when his 2 yrs are up, he would balk at the idea of playing WLB for the next 2 yrs.

 

[lukerguy]

Cliff Avril - DL - Seahawks
Seahawks GM John Schneider envisions Cliff Avril as capable of playing both "Leo" defensive end and 4-3 strong-side linebacker.
The "Leo" is Chris Clemons' position and typically aligns on the weak side of the formation, squaring off one-on-one with left tackles. K.J. Wright is Seattle's strong-side linebacker and isn't in danger of losing his job. Avril will likely be the Seahawks' Opening Day starter at Leo. Across 16 starts last season, Clemons amassed 40 tackles, 11.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles.
Source: Liz Mathews on Twitter

What I was saying, he can play SAM (rarely) but putting him at Will is illogical given his strengths.