Scouting Reports: Andre Fluellen and Cliff Avril

Scouting Reports: Andre Fluellen and Cliff Avril
by Tom Kowalski
Monday May 26, 2008, 12:01 AM

2008 Scouting Report

This third-round draft choice is probably the biggest risk-reward pick of this year's draft. Fluellen's career at Florida State was filled with more promise than production, but there were extenuating circumstances for that. Two years ago, he had to switch positions early in the season because of an injury to another player. Last year, when he was expected to blossom into a first-round pick, an injury limited him to just five starts.

Now, is Fluellen a great talent who was overshadowed in college or is he a guy who, for whatever reason, never seems to get it done?


Head coach Rod Marinelli believes one of Fluellen's greatest talents is his ability to get off the ball very quickly. It's a trait that will serve him well on the inside. Fluellen doesn't have great size - he's just under 300 pounds - but this defense is about quickness and discipline. If Fluellen can master the art of the one-gap scheme, he should get a lot of playing time in the tackle rotation.

Cliff Avril

2008 Scouting Report

Another rookie third-round draft pick, Avril was drafted to be a specialty player. Would it be great if he turned out to be an every-down defensive end who could handle the run and well as be an effective pass rusher? Yeah, but it's not likely to happen. At about 255 pounds, Avril just doesn't have the skills to be productive at the point of attack in the running game. Avril was drafted to be a pass rusher and he has to show the coaching staff that he's worthy of being the seventh or eighth active defensive lineman every Sunday.

Marinelli has always said that the key to the Tampa Two is getting a consistent pass rush with the front four and Avril has to show that he can be disruptive on passing downs. He has great speed on the outside and an excellent motor that won't quit when after his initial burst is stopped.

One of the good things about Avril being a "tweener'' is that he can be very good in zone blitzing schemes when he has to drop into short zone coverages while pressure is brought from other areas.