The LEO position is a critical component of the Pete Carroll defenses that have been so successful for the Seattle Seahawks over the last decade.
The player asked to play at that spot – located on the weak side edge – is tasked with stopping the run, rushing the quarterback and, on occasion, dropping back into pass coverage.
It’s a daunting role, but one that has been played exceptionally well by both Cliff Avril and Frank Clark in recent years. And now, with Avril medically retired and Clark sitting on a big bag of money in Kansas City, the job will fall to veteran Ezekiel Ansah, whom Seattle recently signed.
Ansah’s ability to perform in the LEO role is NFL.com writer Gennaro Filice’s biggest burning question about the Seahawks heading into training camp and, eventually, the 2019 season.
Ansah is coming off a shoulder injury that could limit him all the way up until the season starts, which certainly makes this question loom even larger.
The Seahawks did add pass rusher L.J. Collier with their first-round pick in the 2019 NFL draft, but he is expected to fill more of a Michael Bennett type role on the defensive line.
Ansah is no question the guy at LEO next season, assuming he is healthy. And while he has 48 career sacks and a Pro Bowl berth to his name, Ansah will need to prove not only that he is healthy, but that he can handle the versatility and athleticism necessary to thrive in Seattle’s defensive scheme.
His ability to do so will be a big hinge in Seattle’s defense taking that necessary step forward in 2019.
