Some scouting reports list the Seahawks' newest draft pick as an outside linebacker, while other reports list him as a defensive end. And head coach Pete Carroll states Bruce Irvin will be playing LEO for the Seahawks.
What is going on?
In short, Irvin will play the roles of both OLB and DE in his time as a Seahawk. Irvin will have an emphasis on rushing the passer, but still have an ability to drop back in coverage. Being on the left side could mean some conflict with Chris Clemons, the Seahawks' current defensive end on the left side.
Currently, Irvin is being pegged as a specialist and not an every-down player. His ESPN scouting report (insider) states he can be an effective third down pass-rushing specialist at the next level. Carroll and GM John Schneider both think Irvin has the potential to develop into an every-down defensive end.
Here is our own Danny Kelly's take from Field Gulls on Irvin's place in the Seahawks defense:
I'm extremely intrigued about what he can bring to the Seahawks defense on passing downs early on in his career. He probably won't be a three-down player early; there are concerns that he's very raw, that he's unproven in coverage, that he's not a natural linebacker, that he might be weak against the run at a mere 245 pounds - but those concerns can wait.
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