As reported by TSN.ca, the Montreal Alouettes have poached another key defensive figure from the Edmonton Eskimos in linebacker, Mark Restelli.Once again, Jim Popp had another trick up his sleeve in signing Restelli which adds more intrigue to the team’s linebacker depth.
Restelli brings a high motor ability that will enable him to be the potential bookend pass rusher as the outside linebacker in the 3-4 defense that is being considered by defensive coordinator Jeff Reinebold.
One key advantage that Restelli has, he is long. At 6’2, it gives him an added element to use his length to make more plays on the edge in this defensive formation.
Furthermore, in the second game of the 2010 season, Restelli suffered a knee injury that put him on the nine game injured reserved. Even though he is two years removed from being hurt. He should be 100 percent healthy with a full range of motion in his knee.
As training approaches, one has to consider whether or not the team could potentially trade, or release one of the incumbents on the roster?
With the abundance of linebackers, it is too far to tell who may be on the immediate chopping block.
But if anyone were to forecast the potential starting four linebackers, I believe Rod Davis, Diamond Ferri, Shea Emry, and Ramon Guzman could be penciled in. Now, so many variables could change due to injury, ratio status, and philosophy.
With the addition of Restelli, and the ascension of Marc-Olivier Brouillette, the numbers are deep; however, the competition will be intense at training camp in June.
Factor in that Emry is a non-import playing a position that is normally occupied by an import player. It would be difficult to see him lose his job. Considering how valuable he is to the team’s defense as they were not able to stop the run in a playoff loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The coaching staff and management are high on Brouillette having more of a prominent role by being a flex player who would be able to play linebacker, and potentially safety.
Right now I would think the competition could be between the non-import linebackers. Reinebold will be paying close attention to this position as they’re the key for the 3-4 defense to excel.
Factor in that Emry is a non-import playing a position that is normally occupied by an import player. It would be difficult to see him lose his job. Considering how valuable he is to the team’s defense as they were not able to stop the run in a playoff loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The coaching staff and management are high on Brouillette having more of a prominent role by being a flex player who would be able to play linebacker, and potentially safety.
Right now I would think the competition could be between the non-import linebackers. Reinebold will be paying close attention to this position as they’re the key for the 3-4 defense to excel.
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