Replacement for Anthony Spencer

[xwalker]

Cliff Avril plays DE in a 4-3. He might be even better as a 3-4 OLB.

He has similiar size to Spencer but is much faster. He has 10 more sacks over the last 4 years than Spencer.

His 10 yard time was 1.5 compared to 1.64 for Spencer.

Cliff Avril
Height: 6027
Weight: 253 (Currently listed at 260)
40 Yrd Dash: 4.51
20 Yrd Dash: 2.58
10 Yrd Dash: 1.50
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 27
Vertical Jump: 32 1/2
Broad Jump: 09'09"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.51 (4.31 Pro Day)
3-Cone Drill: 6.90
Sacks (2011) 9
Sacks (2010) 9
Sacks (2009) 5.5
Sacks (2008) 5

Anthony Spencer
Height: 6027
Weight: 261 (Currently listed at 257)
40 Yrd Dash: 4.70
20 Yrd Dash: 2.74
10 Yrd Dash: 1.64
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 30
Vertical Jump: 32 1/2
Broad Jump: 09'04"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.43
3-Cone Drill: 7.14
Sacks (2011) 6
Sacks (2010) 5
Sacks (2009) 6
Sacks (2008) 1.5

 

[AMERICAS_FAN]

Can Avril stop the run, because Spencer is arguable the best Cowboy along the front-7 who can?

 

[AbeBeta]

Can Avril stop the run, because Spencer is arguable the best Cowboy along the front-7 who can?

forget run stopping.

unless you sack the QB all the time, these knuckleheads will think you suck

 

[dboy214]

Can Avril stop the run, because Spencer is arguable the best Cowboy along the front-7 who can?

i think if we upgrade our interior linebackers that will help mitigate the loss in run defense when spencer is let go.

 

[Idgit]

Can Avril stop the run, because Spencer is arguable the best Cowboy along the front-7 who can?

Is he? He makes some great plays in the run, and I know he's credited with being strong against the run, but he's given up containment more plays this season than I remember seeing from him before. That's just anecdotal, but several times lately I've found myself rewinding to see who gave up the corner and it's somebody sucking Spencer inside on a designed play.

 

[xwalker]

Can Avril stop the run, because Spencer is arguable the best Cowboy along the front-7 who can?

I would worry about run stopping ability run if I were projecting a 3-4 OLB to 4-3 DE but not the other way around. The bigger question would be pass coverage.

 

[Stautner]

Spencer is good against the run when he has room to manuever, but he doesn't do well fighting through blocks. This is his same problem as a pass rusher.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

forget run stopping.

unless you sack the QB all the time, these knuckleheads will think you suck

Well yeah.

At this point I'm for keeping Spencer and trying to upgrade the DE position (Coleman) with someone who's equally good vs the run or the pass.

 

[Stash]

Is he? He makes some great plays in the run, and I know he's credited with being strong against the run, but he's given up containment more plays this season than I remember seeing from him before. That's just anecdotal, but several times lately I've found myself rewinding to see who gave up the corner and it's somebody sucking Spencer inside on a designed play.

I've seen the same thing.

The one thing his 'suppoort group' swears by isn't even true any more.

 

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

I really think these last 3 games will dictate Spencer's future.

 

[Everlastingxxx]

I think at this point, i would be fine with moving on without Spencer. If we stay in a 3-4 we need a dynamic pass rusher. There needs to be some real changes to this defense next season. 40-50% turnover.

 

[Stautner]

I really think these last 3 games will dictate Spencer's future.

I imagine the other 70 or so game will weigh more heavily than the next 3.

 

[The Natural]

If I'm not mistaken Avril is having a career year. What in the world makes you think Detroit will just let him go

 

[Risen Star]

I've seen the same thing.

The one thing his 'suppoort group' swears by isn't even true any more.

I don't think it even matters how good he is in run support anymore. You can't be a quality starting OLB in a 3-4 if you don't get to the QB.

Spencer is a JAG.

My worry is we seem to love to sign JAGs long term lately. Using the brilliant 'we can do worse' defense.

 

[rathalarge]

I thought we were trying to get rid of undisciplined clowns?

 

[casmith07]

Don't count out Bruce Carter or Osi Umenyiora.

 

[Star Guard_31]

I'd rather have Ahmad Brooks over Cliff Avril.

Ahmad Brooks is a 3-4 LB through and through and we would not have to worry about a down lineman trying to convert, which is never a sure thing.
Brooks played in a 3-4 at UVA under Al Groh and also with San Francisco. He goes about 6-3 260lbs and has played ILB (Bengals) and OLB (49ers) bringing a certain level of versatility to the table. With perennial pro-bowler Patrick Willis, top 10 draft pick Aldon Smith, and now the emerging Navorro Bowman on board, it's unlikely that San Fran would be willing to lay out another big contract to a LB. Especially when you consider that Parys Haralson is entrenched as a starter at OLB. They almost need to let Brooks walk in order to create a spot for Aldon Smith. Plus Brooks is only 27 while I believe both Avril and Osi are over 30.

 

[RoyTheHammer]

I'd rather have Ahmad Brooks over Cliff Avril.

Ahmad Brooks is a 3-4 LB through and through and we would not have to worry about a down lineman trying to convert, which is never a sure thing.
Brooks played in a 3-4 at UVA under Al Groh and also with San Francisco. He goes about 6-3 260lbs and has played ILB (Bengals) and OLB (49ers) bringing a certain level of versatility to the table. With perennial pro-bowler Patrick Willis, top 10 draft pick Aldon Smith, and now the emerging Navorro Bowman on board, it's unlikely that San Fran would be willing to lay out another big contract to a LB. Especially when you consider that Parys Haralson is entrenched as a starter at OLB. They almost need to let Brooks walk in order to create a spot for Aldon Smith. Plus Brooks is only 27 while I believe both Avril and Osi are over 30.

I think Brooks would be a solid addition and wouldn't break the bank.

(Edit: I'd rather just keep Spencer though unless Brooks could be had for considerably less money.)

Wish we had signed Tulloch.

 

[BAT]

I'd rather have Ahmad Brooks over Cliff Avril.

Ahmad Brooks is a 3-4 LB through and through and we would not have to worry about a down lineman trying to convert, which is never a sure thing.
Brooks played in a 3-4 at UVA under Al Groh and also with San Francisco. He goes about 6-3 260lbs and has played ILB (Bengals) and OLB (49ers) bringing a certain level of versatility to the table. With perennial pro-bowler Patrick Willis, top 10 draft pick Aldon Smith, and now the emerging Navorro Bowman on board, it's unlikely that San Fran would be willing to lay out another big contract to a LB. Especially when you consider that Parys Haralson is entrenched as a starter at OLB. They almost need to let Brooks walk in order to create a spot for Aldon Smith. Plus Brooks is only 27 while I believe both Avril and Osi are over 30.

If I were to covet a Niner, it would be DE Justin Smith or OLB Aldon Smith. As for a new SOLB, why not draft a mad dog like Burfict and send after the QB/RB. Burfict would be an upgrade in pass coverage to both Spencer & Butler.

 

[dboy214]

I don't think it even matters how good he is in run support anymore. You can't be a quality starting OLB in a 3-4 if you don't get to the QB.

Spencer is a JAG.

My worry is we seem to love to sign JAGs long term lately. Using the brilliant 'we can do worse' defense.

yeh i wouldn't be surprised one bit if we resigned spencer.