Seahawks’ revamped D-line ready for preseason

RENTON — On a team that counts continuity among its greatest strengths, the Seattle Seahawks are hoping that change can be a good thing for the defensive line.

Veterans Cliff Avril, Michael Bennett and Tony McDaniel were brought in to add depth and their value could become even greater while Bruce Irvin serves a four-game suspension and Chris Clemons recovers from knee surgery that has his status for the season opener in doubt.

The Seahawks will begin to see how the changes are shaking out starting Thursday night when Seattle opens the preseason at San Diego.

“We’ve been watching all these guys play for years,” veteran defensive tackle Brandon Mebane said. “They bring a lot of qualities we love.”

For all its strengths, the line was the one area of the defense that appeared to be in need of some upgrade during the offseason.

While there were no big names like the additions of Antoine Winfield and Percy Harvin, the Seahawks did use a lot of resources in addressing the defensive line. In addition to the veteran free agents, Seattle used two draft picks on defensive linemen, getting tackle Jordan Hill in the third round and former Alabama starter Jesse Williams in the fifth round.

“The three-techniques are really important, and all of those guys are going to play,” coach Pete Carroll said this week. “It’s going to take us all the way through preseason to figure that out, I think. All of those guys will get play time.”

Avril, Clemons and Irvin can play the Leo position, which is a hybrid end/linebacker, although Irvin has moved back and is playing more of a traditional outside linebacker role during training camp. On the other side of the line, defensive end Red Bryant is a converted defensive tackle who has unique size (6-foot-4, 323 pounds) for an end rusher.

Inside, the Seahawks have plenty of options behind projected starters Mebane and McDaniel. Along with Hill and Williams, Seattle also has Clinton McDonald and Jaye Howard as options who can be used inside. Thursday’s preseason game could provide some answers as to who and how the Seahawks will use their deep group of defensive linemen.

“We’ve all played in different defenses, but they were similar,” Bennett said. “We’ve got a lot of good players who can do different things and fill different roles.”

The only thing that seems to be missing is a nickname. Bennett joked that the defensive line wants to be called “Legion of Doom,” a play on Seattle’s defensive backfield and their nickname of “Legion of Boom.”

“We don’t need a nickname,” said Mebane. “We just want to go out and play our game.”

While Seattle’s secondary, led by All-Pros Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas, gets most of the publicity, the Seahawks believe their defensive line has already made a name for itself.

“I don’t think we’re under the radar at all,” Bennett said. “We’ve got a lot of great people, guys who have led the league in sacks and can do a lot of things . guys who have made a lot of big plays.”

The Seahawks seem to have plenty of depth along their line, and that should come in handy while Irvin and Clemons are out.

“We’ll miss them,” Mebane said. “But we’ve got to do what we’ve got to do. We’ve still got to make plays.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.