E.J.

Wilson

Jackson is the “Leo,” or left end, while Clemons is at the “elephant,” or right end position. Nick Reed is backing up Clemons, and rookie E.J. Wilson is behind Jackson. Defensive tackle Red Bryant is also getting work as a “five technique” defensive end in certain packages. It’s a run-stopping position.

An interesting prospect, Wilson managed just 12 career sacks in 37 starts in Butch Davis’ pro-style defense. He was a bone-crusher when he got inside penetration, though, ripping off five forced fumbles as a senior and recovering two more. Wilson lacks ideal burst off the snap at 6-foot-2, 280, but will have a chance at early playing time for the end-shallow Seahawks.

It’s an ideal landing spot for Wilson. Despite being a first-round pick in 2008, Jackson hasn’t knocked anyone’s socks off. Wilson will give the Seahawks’ defensive line some much-needed size.

Wilson appeared in two games for the Seahawks last season, recording one tackle. The former fourth-round pick faces an uphill battle if he ever wants to return to the league.

A three-year starter at North Carolina, Wilson adds much-needed size to the Seahawks’ line as a power rusher. He’ll line up behind starter Lawrence Jackson at left end, where he’ll have a chance for playing time as a rookie.

Selected with the fourth-round pick acquired from the Eagles (with DE Chris Clemons) in exchange for Darryl Tapp, Wilson recorded just one tackle in two games this year.

Wilson was a seventh-round pick of Seattle, and projects as a potential early-down end who can kick to tackle in passing sets in the Bucs’ Cover 2. Gant was suspended four games in 2010 for violating the NFL’s policy on PEDs.