Cliff Avril DE/OLB 6'3 253 Purdue 4.51

Avril had a solid freshman season with 36 tackles, three for loss, and .5 sacks on the year. As a sophomore, he had 33 tackles with 2.5 of them coming for a loss. As a junior he played both end and linebacker, finishing with a career high 84 tackles, 15 for loss, and six sacks. Avril was back on the line as a senior, finishing the season with 41 tackles, 15 for loss, and 6.5 sacks.

Avril is a very good edge rusher. He is athletic, and shows the quickness, change of direction ability, and closing speed to make plays. He gets a quick burst off the line, and has the ability to blow by the tackle off the line. He has experience playing off the line which will help him project to a 3-4 OLB spot. He has the versatility to be a situational rusher in a 4-3 and possibly the potential to be a very good 3-4 linebacker.

Avril lacks the size to be an every down end in a 4-3, so his upside is limited in that scheme. He is not strong enough to hold his ground at the point of attack and can be taken out of running plays.

Avril is the latest tweener to come out of Purdue, but that may be a good thing. Purdue has produced a number of talented edge rusher who have had success in the league. Avril has the talent to develop into a quality pass rusher in the NFL.