Tag: Bruce Irvin

Bruce Irvin excelling as pass rush specialist

Seattle Seahawks 1st-round pick Bruce Irvin recorded his first career sack on Sunday against the Cowboys and is developing into an asset as a pass rush specialist.

Through two games Irvin has been used as a pass rusher on 53 of his 64 snaps (82.8%).

While Irvin has done a nice job in this role (he’s recorded a sack, hit or pressure on 9.1% of his pass rush plays), their use of him in this role begs the question: is it worth drafting a pass-rush specialist in the 1st round?

No matter how well Irvin performs in this role, the fact remains he’s a part-time player. He certainly hasn’t looked like a bust, but until he develops into a a true three-down lineman it will be hard to give the Seahawks a strong grade for their selection.

Draft Grades: Seattle Seahawks

For the second consecutive year, the Seattle Seahawks whiffed in the 1st round and demonstrated a complete lack of understanding as to how to effectively use the draft to rebuild a franchise. While the Seahawks have some talent, they’re headed in the wrong direction.

I thought the selection of James Carpenter was bad last year, but Bruce Irvin may be worse. Not only was Irvin a fringe 1st-round prospect at best, but he’s a developmental prospect with serious character concerns. If the Seahawks wanted to gamble they should have selected Janoris Jenkins, who is at least NFL-ready in terms of his talent. Irvin will be effective as a situational pass rusher, but that’s not the type of player you target with the 15th selection.

Bobby Wagner was a nice 2nd-round value. He’ll likely back up Barrett Ruud in 2012 with a chance to take over the starting job in the future.

I like Russell Wilson a lot, but I’m not sure the 3rd round was the right place for the Seahawks to select him. He has all the tools necessary to have a long career as a backup, but his upside is somewhat limited. Considering the just signed Matt Flynn, the move is even more questionable.

I love the selection of Robert Turbin. His health is a concern, but if he can stay on the field he can push Marshawn Lynch for carries. In the 4th round he was a safe gamble.

Jaye Howard adds some depth to the defensive line, but was a reach in the 4th round. He’ll compete for a backup job and should make the final roster cuts.

Korey Toomer is a decent developmental prospect, but he’ll have plenty of competition at linebacker in Seattle. He definitely does not have a guaranteed roster spot.

Jeremy Lane is a nice developmental prospect. The Seahawks needed to add depth to the secondary and he had value in the 6th round.

I like the selection of Winston Guy. He’ll probably never develop into a starter, but he’ll back up Kam Chancellor at strong safety and immediately make a difference on special teams.

J.R. Sweezy played defensive tackle at N.C. State but will be converted to guard in Seattle. It’s tough to judge a player switching positions, but in the 7th round there’s no risk involved.

Greg Scruggs will compete with Jaye Howard and others for a backup job, but it’s tough to imagine both rookies surviving the final roster cuts.

Just like last year, the Seahawks whiffed in the 1st round but rebounded with some solid mid and late-round picks. They continue to add depth, but they won’t turn things around until the start to find the elite prospects in the early rounds.

Bruce Irvin scouting report

Bruce Irvin OLB West Virginia #11
Ht: 6’2″
Wt: 245
 
Strengths:
Prototypical size/athleticism for a 3-4 outside linebacker. Impressive explosion off the snap; has the potential to be a dangerous edge rusher. Surprisingly strong and physical in short bursts. Does a nice job staying low and using leverage to bull rush against much bigger offensive tackles. Has worked hard to get to this point in his career.
Weaknesses:
Primarily lined up at defensive end in college, but lacks the size and strength to stay there in the NFL. Too aggressive; over-pursues at times; attempts to anticipate the snap count and will jump offsides. Frequently taken off the field in rushing situations; lacks the strength, especially the lower-body strength, to hold up at the point of attack. Likely will not be a three-down player at the next level. Still very raw; limited experience against top competition.
Comments:
Irvin is an interesting story. He did not graduate from high school, but earned his GED, walked on at a JUCO and eventually enrolled at WVU. While he lacks the ability to be an every-down player, at least early in his career, he does have the potential to make an impact as a situational pass rusher. Given his size and athleticism, he would fit best at outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.
Videos: