Cliff Avril, a defensive end with the Detroit Lions is perhaps one of the most underrated Free Agents out there. As a standout for the Lions for the past four years, Cliff has recorded 30 sacks. His 6’3" 252 lbs frame is certainly stout enough to handle the role of a rushing or coverage linebacker. The Purdue product had a great college career, starting in 35 contests out of 49, 12 of those starts coming in at strong-side linebacker
One could make the case, and Avril has said himself, that he would be willing to play outside linebacker. He was the top performer at the combine in the 3-cone drill, which measures a player’s burst and ability to switch directions quickly. He also was a top performer in the vertical leap. Can anyone say batted passes? Cliff Avril entered the league the same year our own Chris Long came aboard, and he out performed him. In Cliff’s rookie year he tied for the rookie lead of 5 sacks, following on with 5.5, 8.5, and 11 sacks in 2009, 2010, and 2011 respectively. He has also been a solid tackler on a defense dominated by Suh, with 23, 41, 33, and 36 tackle from 2008-2011.
His health is another high point having only missed 6 games over 4 years. Avril comes from a team who plays indoors, and he excels there, with 26 of his 36 tackles coming under a dome in 2011. Another awesome stat is that Avril has managed to lock up offenses where it counts, on 3rd and 4th down. In 2011 Avril had 26 tackles on 3rd and 4th downs, 12 of them solo, along with 4 of his sacks on those downs.
2 recs | 16 comments
While he would be an intriguing option...
…I’d bet he signs someplace that lets him rush the passer full-time, either as a 4-3 end or a 3-4 OLB (ala Terrell Suggs). He may have said he’d be willing to be an OLB, but rushing the QB is where the big money is. If he doesn’t know that, you can guarantee his agent will remind him of it.
While I agree we need to fix the OLB spot, I think for the money he’s going to want, we’d be better off looking somewhere else.
mikemcd41 - February 10, 2012
Our OLB suck
very disappointing. Those two FA devaney signed last year never worked out. had to bring back Chris Chamber. Time to draft some unruly crazy OLB. Anyone from the SEC in the 5th 6th rounds.
fearsomefoursum - February 10, 2012
Jerry Franklin, Arkansas
Sam linebacker in the NFL, give him a look
jgillentine7 - February 10, 2012
ty
6 1 240 too small for inside, I think he is playing IBL in college. good size and speed for outside. any SEC LB is a good LB. I like
fearsomefoursum - February 10, 2012
No, he wouldn't help us at OLB like we need
We already have a great rotation of pass rushers, limited cap space so no.
Brick Top - February 10, 2012
Interesting thought about Avril moving to OLB? Great Post!
Douglas M - February 10, 2012
The lions aren’t resigning this guy??? I’m shocked!!!! I’d say pick him up asap… He’d be a great addition to the team if his price tag isn’t too high.
RamsIchor - February 10, 2012
Next year..
From everything I’ve read so far, the Rams won’t have the money to sign any of these ‘premium FAs’ this year. Draft wisely this year then use the 30 million or so in cap space to raid the FA market next year….patience, grasshoppers.
howie43 - February 10, 2012
Just wait...
Once Jeff starts cutting off the dead weight cough Jason Smith cough… We’ll have TONS of cap space this year. So start smiling at the possibilities, it’s gonna be EPIC! :D
RamsIchor - February 10, 2012
I think Chamberlain can be decent....
…given more time to learn the ins and outs of this new defense. Put Avril on the other side with JL in the middle. I’d take it. The Saints did ok with Dunbar, Shanle, and Herring with Williams as the Dcoordinator. I’d say a trio of Avril, JL55, Chamberlain would be an upgrade from that
thatsfaulkedup98 - February 10, 2012
speaking of which..All you Chamberlain naysayers
Have you even looked at his numbers from last year. The guy put up 81 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 FF, 1 INT and he didn’t even start the whole year. Imagine a full year of Chris at OLB with other upgrades around him
thatsfaulkedup98 - February 10, 2012
Chamberlain works for me..
But, you’ve got to beef up that other OLB spot, and throw in some tackling drills for the DBs. Wrap up low for craps sake…nothing chaps my ass more than seeing a tackler run up and try to give the ball carrier a ‘hug’ to bring him down. When you get stiff armed you look like a little bitch….wow, I feel better, been holding that in all season, thanks.
howie43 - February 10, 2012
HAHA!!!
I was at that game in SD…we got blown out, that was the year SD was 14-2
LARams72 - February 10, 2012
great point Howie43
If your watching (playing) in the NFC west, you better have physical corners. Total points allowed in the NFC 2011…..SF #1 Sea#2 their corners play like junk yard dogs. Gee, what a concept. 1. Stuff the run, 2. make em pass 3. release your pass rushers
fearsomefoursum - February 10, 2012
Very overrated player.
No way I’d want him on the Rams, the only reason he did reasonably well the last two years was because Suh was on the line to help occupy blockers and take the attention off him.
TheSmart1 - February 10, 2012
Agreed
Anyone who signs him will see they got another Ray Edwards.
nick-the-greek - February 10, 2012
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