My opinion is that Derrick Brown solves the DT issues and that I'd rather Mafi develop as a backup behind a starter (Avila). We could look at shifting Avila to OC and Mafi starting next season (with Biadasz out of contract) if it's warranted in 2024 but for now, I'm not a big fan of presuming a 6th-round pick to be a walk-up starter. Plus I just think Avila is a much better player than Dexter but I guess part of the fun of it is that we all see players differently.
I've seen Avila's tapes. He's very stiff, limited agility, plays upright too much, etc. Here are some cons about him:
*Can occasionally struggle with explosive defenders who are capable of quickly attacking his edge.
*10-yard split was well below the preferred 1.75 that you’d like to see out of an interior linemen.
*Would prefer him to have more nastiness to his game. It’s a sight to behold when he wants to be a mean blocker.
*Not the most naturally-fluid mover when working laterally.
*Not as scheme-versatile as some of the other linemen in the class and is probably better suited for a gap scheme that will allow him to impose his massive frame and strength on the opposition.
*His lateral quickness, or lack thereof, makes it hard for him to recover when he’s not the initial aggressor.
*Needs to play with proper pad level at the point of attack more consistently or he will be exposed at the next level.
*Must improve his ability to sustain blocks after initial contact is made.
In other words, he's the opposite of Tyler Smith. Matt Farniok (6th rounder) is much better at all the cons Avila has. Plus, Farniok is young, has 2 years of experience at both Left Guard and Center, and he's a legit threat this training camp to start if needed.
Get the young stud DT who is excellent in run stopping (which we direly need) and can even pressure the QB at times. Gervon Dexter Sr would contribute right away this year. Avila not so much due to the competition and experience at Left Guard and Center.
