Every year there is one player that gets drafted unexpectedly in the first round of the NFL Draft. Don’t tell that to West Virginia fans, who witnessed one of their own get selected 15th overall by the Seattle Seahawks last night.
Many draft experts predicted Bruce Irvin to be selected tonight in either the second or third round. The Seahawks saw more potential in Irvin, to make him their first overall selection. With the stretch, Irvin will be entering the league with a chip on his shoulder to produce early and often.
A junior college transfer from Mt. San Antonio, after dropping out of high school and being kicked out of his home, Irvin became a motivation story of rags to riches. After being arrested numerous times, Irvin enrolled at West Virginia, where he became a star football player.
Last year, Irvin was a crucial part of the Mountaineers defense that went on to dismantle the Clemson Tigers in the Orange Bowl, 70-33. In 13 games, Irvin registered 40 tackles last year. Although Irvin was not much of a ball hawk, one thing you can’t take away from him was his ability to reach the quarterback. His durability and athleticism allowed Irvin to lead the Mountaineers last year with 8.5 sacks.
That is the one area that stood out the most to the Seahawks on their way to selecting Irvin. His athleticism intrigued Seahawks owner Paul Allen into giving him a chance to improve Seattle’s defense.
One of Seattle’s weaknesses last year was their ability to pressure the quarterback. In 16 games, they recorded 33 sacks to their opponents 50.
Irvin’s versatility gives the Seahawks options in wherever they decide to play him. Irvin has the athleticism to play both at defensive end and outside linebacker. At West Virginia, Irvin didn’t lineup at defensive end against the lineman he will be up against in the NFL. At 6’3” 245-pounds, Irvin will be too undersized and will have to rely solely on his athleticism to reach the quarterbacks.
Irvin will be more suited at outside linebacker where he can use his durability to rush the passer, as well as cover opposing team’s tight ends and slot receivers. The only downside is that Irvin has not been known as a player who can rack up the tackles, which typically is a main priority for an outside linebacker.
So was Irvin going 15th overall to the Seahawks a reach? Only time will tell. He might not have the best stats in the world or have the best record off the field. One thing he has in common with the rest of the first round picks is his dedication and will to win, and that was good enough for Seattle.
Photo credit: Daylife.com
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