The Film Room: Frank Clark should get more sacks with increased role on Seahawks defense

Frank Clark was drafted in the second round out of Michigan by the Seahawks last year. In the regular season, he collected just three sacks, but Pete Carroll noted over the weekend that he regrets having not used Clark more as a rookie. There were two major reasons why there was a general lack of statistical production: The first had to do with his role in this defense, while the second had to do with his technique.

In this video breakdown, I break down Frank Clark's changing role and the impact on his pass rushing ability in Carroll's defense.

Part way through the season, Seattle moved him to the interior defensive line playing three-technique defensive tackle, shading the outside shoulder of the guard, while also playing one-technique nose tackle. In this new position, Clark played a large majority of his snaps later in the season as a contain defender to keep the quarterback in the pocket as the Seahawks ran stunts around the edge.

Bruce Irvin left in free agency for the Oakland Raiders, while the Seahawks drafted Jarran Reed, defensive lineman out of Alabama, with their second round pick this year and then Quinton Jefferson in the fifth.

For the 2016 season, I see Clark playing a mixture of three-technique defensive tackle, while also playing edge rusher in obvious pass situations opposite of Cliff Avril. This new role will give more opportunities to pass rush than in his rookie season.