The "Legion of Boom" can now clearly be defined as the current day "Monsters of the Midway" and "Steel Curtain." This is how dominating the Seattle Seahawks defense was last season and has been over the past couple years. Despite losing key players in Red Bryant, Chris Clemons, Brandon Browner and Walter Thurmond, this defense is still going to be among the very best in the league next year.
Let's take a look at Seattle's current starting defense leading up to the 2014 NFL draft in less than two weeks.
New Starter: Jeremy Lane
Lane only played an average of 10 snaps per game last season with Walter Thurmond and Byron Maxwell ahead of him on the depth chart behind Richard Sherman. He is, however, a solid young cornerback that can step into a major role this season without much of an issue. Lane didn't allow a touchdown reception in 21 targets last season and has proven himself more than capable of lining up in the slot. Second-year player Tharold Simon and a likely rookie addition could compete with Lane for the No. 3 cornerback slot.
Areas of Improvement
When looking at a defense that allowed just over two touchdowns and less than 300 yards per game, it's hard to find one area that it needs to improve on. If I had to choose, looking especially hard under a microscope, it would be against the run. Seattle ranked seventh in the league against the run, but did yield 130-plus yards seven different times. In order to become more consistently dominating in this aspect of the game, Seattle should look to add an interior lineman behind Brandon Mebane and Tony McDaniel, at the very least, to give them some rest, especially with such a tough schedule.
Potential Breakout Star
Seattle has been waiting for two years to see Bruce Irvin perform like a first-round pick. He made some strides as a better all-around player in 2013, but saw his sack total dip from eight as a rookie to two last season. Irvin simply needs to find a more defined role in this defense. Is he going to be a pass-rush threat coming off the edge in Dan Quinn's defense or will he play more of a traditional 4-3 outside linebacker role? This is something the Seahawks are going to have to figure out. In the opinion of his one scribe, he's better suited as a pass-rush threat...possibly even a situational player.
On His Way Out
Don't expect the Seahawks to be able to retain Cliff Avril following the 2014 season. If he continues to play at a high level, especially with more opportunities this year, there is absolutely no reason to believe that he's not going to demand a huge payday. With a ton of young players it has to retain on long-term deals, Seattle will likely have to let Avril walk. While that could hurt, we have to believe general manager John Schneider and Co. have a plan.