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by Jim Schwartz dropped an interesting comparison when he was asked about new Lions defensive end Everette Brown at the NFL owners meetings last week -- Cliff Avril.
"The biggest thing is trying to match players with what you're going to ask them to do, and his talents are unique and I think they fit our scheme very well," Schwartz said. "He reminds me a lot of Cliff Avril a few years ago and I think that if he's going to succeed, he has a very good chance to do it in this scheme -- and he's still a young player, he's still talented."
A third-round pick in 2008, Avril's career has blossomed in the three years since Schwartz took over as Lions coach and installed a defensive system where ends typically play a "wide nine" technique where they line up outside the offensive tackle for better angles to rush the passer.
Avril's sack totals have increased every year, from five as a rookie to 5 1/2 in his second season, 8 1/2 his third and a career-high 11 (with six forced fumbles) last year. He was important enough that the Lions slapped him with the franchise tag this off-season.
Brown, a second-round pick by Carolina in 2009, has just six career sacks and has yet to find his niche in the NFL.
more: http://bleacherreport.com/tb/bfHT5?utm_ ... roit-lions
