Leonard Floyd, DE/LB Georgia

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Figured it would be worth starting a thread on him.

IMO, he's terrible as a LB. No instincts, can't get off blocks, and his open field speed is not as good as his combine speed.

But as a pass rusher, I get Cliff Avril vibes. Avril is a slightly better athlete than Floyd is, but both are similar in that they create sacks and pressure through fluid athleticism and an ability to navigate through pass blocking without losing speed. Both convert speed to power and go for the ball when they reach the QB. I've compared Floyd to Chris Clemons in the past, but Clemons relied more on power and moves whereas Avril wins more with a fluid yet linear style of athleticism (aka Avril is more likely to run in a straight line to the QB than Chris Clemons is). I see a lot of these Avril qualities from Floyd when he is rushing the QB.

It's worth noting that Mike Mayock is considerably higher on Floyd than I am. He has repeatedly compared Floyd to future Hall of Famer Jason Taylor.

I would be surprised if Seattle were not interested in Floyd. Seattle drafted 6'6" Obum Gwacham last year and Gwachum had basically the same measurables as Floyd, but without any polish or evident talent. So we at least know that the tall, lanky profile as LEO is something that excites Seattle.

This is a terrible draft for pass rushers so I wouldn't expect Floyd to last until #26. If he does though, I think Seattle will probably rate him at least as high as Jonathan Bullard. Definitely a player to keep an eye on.

Probably my favorite first round player in this draft, simply because of his ablity to impact the game as a pass rusher. I like the Avril comparison, but also the Taylor comparison as well.

If the plan is to replac Irvin with Clark at SLB we do need another DE in the mix. Can't ever have to many pass rushers.

Wenhawk":gy3t37mo said:

If the plan is to replac Irvin with Clark at SLB we do need another DE in the mix. Can't ever have to many pass rushers.

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I can't imagine that is the entire plan. I can see Clark in Irvins spot on passing downs. But even slimmed down. I would be shocked if Clark isn't still every bit the run defender than Michael Bennett is, with plus potential as a speed rusher. Clark's ability against the run is pretty phenomenal.

I do wonder though if there is room on the team for a player rlike Floyd with both Avril and Clark on the team.

McGruff":1pi5xxxv said:

Wenhawk":1pi5xxxv said:

If the plan is to replac Irvin with Clark at SLB we do need another DE in the mix. Can't ever have to many pass rushers.

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I can't imagine that is the entire plan. I can see Clark in Irvins spot on passing downs. But even slimmed down. I would be shocked if Clark isn't still every bit the run defender than Michael Bennett is, with plus potential as a speed rusher. Clark's ability against the run is pretty phenomenal.

I do wonder though if there is room on the team for a player rlike Floyd with both Avril and Clark on the team.

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Your last sentence is why I can't see that team taking Floyd @ 26, given the presence of Clark, Avril, Bennett and a few others.

To me I'd think they'd be looking more at a penetrating DT inside out type DT/DE instead of a single purpose player. No question however that he is an interesting player and you never can have too many pass rushers.

The only thing that comes to mind is past efforts and future holes.

The Seahwks took a one trick pony pass rushing athletic freak 4 years ago in the middle of the first round and coached him into a 3 dimensional OLB who broke the bank his second contract. Leonard Floyd is a similar type of prospect, although I definitely see him more as a DE . . . but maybe they want to try the experiment again and Floyd becomes the OLB of the future after a year as a specialist.

In that case, Clark could take over for Avril as soon as 2017. 2016 would give us the 3-4 man pass rushing rotation we haven't had since Clemons, Bennett, Avril and Irvin. Replace those names with Avril, Bennett, Clark and Floyd and you aren't far from a comparable situation.

iF I HEAR 1 MORE PERSON SAY THAT CLARK WILL PLAY LB I WILL LOSE IT.

Clark is a pass rusher, he will not be a linebacker. They already confirmed this stop speculating on stupid ideas.

Irvin was drafted to be a pass rusher, But in the same way this moron ate Mcdonalds daily until his contract year, Got popped for PEDS (Steroids) He didnt have the mental capacity to learn pass rush moves. He was a one trick pony that we salvaged @ LB.

A all pro DE is so invaluable and Clark has the ability and talent to be a 15 million dollar man, its so obvious that's why we took the chance on him last year.

We have a multitude of JAGs that can be lb's Cassius (no sacks), Pinkins, KPL (probably a bust) and possibly a draft pick.

From what I understand, the plan is to play Clark in Irvin's spot as an OLB . . .

McGruff":1an5stut said:

From what I understand, the plan is to play Clark in Irvin's spot as an OLB . . .

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I believe Pete said he plans for Clark to take Irvin's nickel pass rush snaps. I think he got misquoted or something and someone ran with the thought that he was going to take Irvin's total role from last year. He did elude to Marsh having the opportunity to win that spot though.

I heard Linebacker. Just sauin'

McGruff":2jx260ao said:

I heard Linebacker. Just sauin'

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I think I read that somewhere too. But the interview they pulled that from I heard Pete say the pass rush snaps. Pete gets to talking fast sometimes though so who knows.

pcbball12":142d2hqe said:

McGruff":142d2hqe said:

I heard Linebacker. Just sauin'

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I think I read that somewhere too. But the interview they pulled that from I heard Pete say the pass rush snaps. Pete gets to talking fast sometimes though so who knows.

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Probably need to go back and quote the source(s). This was one. http://espn.go.com/blog/seattle-seahawk ... rvins-role

"Irvin's role at strong-side linebacker required three things: rushing the passer, setting the edge in the run game and dropping into coverage. Clark should have no issues with the first two. And perhaps he's dropping weight to be better equipped to handle the third part."

Pete is quoted saying, " ...we’re zeroing in on maybe the best way to use him."

He's down from 272 to 257. So, maybe there's more assumption about playing LB?

Well, they need to replace Irvin and Mebane. With that in mind I think they address DT.

As far as Leonard Floyd, I heard (I think on the network) that the 1st round of the 2016 NFL Draft is "Get 'em while you can" (Pass Rushers)

Largent80":1qbi60zc said:

Well, they need to replace Irvin and Mebane. With that in mind I think they address DT.

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As far as DT, seems like Rankins has a lot of hype (which is justified - the guy is a beast.) But, Vernon Butler is another DT that has pass rush ability. I think the Seahawks have met with the latter.