I dont quite understand the Akeem Dent pick

[iDash]

Pretty sure I read Dent was the number 1 rated ILB!

[ukfalc]

With all the uncertainty about Free Agency this move made sense, because he can play OLB or MLB if needed.

He could be seen as a repalcement for Nicholas if he leaves in free agncy this year, or a replacmeent for Lofton who will be a UFA next year if a new CBA is reached.

[gHost83]

There's a guy at Marshall that plays LB named Mario Harvey from Forsyth, Ga. who is a heck of alot better. In my humble opinion.

I think we should take a look at Harvey too, but Dent is a good pick. He can cross train at all LB positions is faster than you think... Watch Dent's tape and then watch Martez's. Dent clearly plays faster than Martez ever did. The guy has a 38" vert and a nice broad jump, great for short distance explosion. Everyone is saying hes slow, but when has 4.6 been slow? He can be coached to be a good pass defender, he has the tools. Dude has 10" pancake mitts for hands and can dunk a basketball with ease.

Dude is going to be this years steal.

Edited May 7, 2011 by gHost83

[phattywankenobi]

Nich and Pete are not under contract. That leaves Spoon who is still learning and Spencer Adkins for the OLB spots. That would equal zero depth and who knows what Adkins can do. I said months before the draft they needed to get another OLB in the 3rd and that is exactly what they did. Supposedly he was a pretty good value pick for where they got him.

Good or bad the oline has depth in case they lose some to free agency. The only thing that is still critical in my opinions is the pass rush specifically a more effective LDE.

[Knight of God]

Won't know until after preseason.

[Borat]

That's a very New England-ish way of thinking. I think he's to good to let go, but maybe TD doesn't.

Here's an even wilder theory; what if TD has a deal to trade Lofton once a new CBA is in place, and recoup a first round pick, which made him go after Jones? Possible if he is that high on Akeem

[kschreck]

Here's an even wilder theory; what if TD has a deal to trade Lofton once a new CBA is in place, and recoup a first round pick, which made him go after Jones? Possible if he is that high on Akeem

I think I can pretty confidently say that will not happen.

A team built for now is not going to dump their starting mlb for a rookie.

I seriously doubt we would get a 1st for Lofton.

[Borat]

I think I can pretty confidently say that will not happen.

A team built for now is not going to dump their starting mlb for a rookie.

I seriously doubt we would get a 1st for Lofton.

I completely agree with both points. I was just throwing it out there.

[#1 pick]

Depth and ST. He's not a OLB in our system.

[Clark Kent™]

Because he is a versatile LB. He can play all 3 LB spots. TD loves to draft interchangeable players. Not to mention he would be a good special teams player.

[*TMo*]

I dont quite understand the Akeem Dent pick

You know, you don't really have to.

[g-dawg]

You know, you don't really have to.

good observation, TMo.....Flowery Branch and Atlanta Falcons will survive without this doubter understanding the pick. Thank God, The Falcons will survive!!!

[Big Rob 64]

I've heard some say hes just a backup since he doesnt have the speed to play outside and we got curtis inside and akeem isnt good at coverage so he'd be just a 2 down back backup and a speical teams player.

But that doesnt sound right to me, why would TD waste a round 3 pick for a 2 down backup middle linebacker?

Given how high he went, I have to assume Akeem will be competing for mike pete's job, am i right?

I'm guessing TD believes he can be an efficient starting OLB.

I'm assuming Akeem could be a diamond in the rough, there's no way TD just wasted a pick for a special teamer.

Why not? He wasted 5 high draft picks on a #2 receiver. If Dent never makes the roster, that pick will do far less damage than the Julio Jones pick.

[miKevicK777]

good observation, TMo.....Flowery Branch and Atlanta Falcons will survive without this doubter understanding the pick. Thank God, The Falcons will survive!!!

You talking about me?

there was no skepticism nor a sense of rejection in my post

I even implied that TD does know what he's doing...

I simply inquired for others' insight and opinions on a topic I uninformed on.

Not unconditionally following or agreeing with something without knowing the reasons doesnt make me a doubter.

[MSalmon]

I'm not positive that Dent will start or see significant time at OLB. But for our scheme the kid is a good fit. He's not a thumper type that can take on pulling guards, but he is an excellent flow type of 43 guy. If you have ever watched Dent he has excellent change of direction ability and lateral movement skills. Couple these attributes with his leadership ability, core STs expertise and ability to back up all 3 spots if need be, this is an excellent pick

[CLofton50]

He's basically just depth at this point, but depth at multiple positions. The kid is versatile. And it's a 3rd-rounder anyway- there's no guarantee you get a quality starter at that pick.

He can play ST which has the added benefit of keeping other D players like Kroy Biermann rested.

He can spell Lofton to keep him fresh or play either OLB spot. He's probably sturdier against the run than Nicholas, and there's no way he's slower than Peterson for covering TE's or HB's.

[Knight of God]

He's basically just depth at this point, but depth at multiple positions. The kid is versatile. And it's a 3rd-rounder anyway- there's no guarantee you get a quality starter at that pick.

He can play ST which has the added benefit of keeping other D players like Kroy Biermann rested.

He can spell Lofton to keep him fresh or play either OLB spot. He's probably sturdier against the run than Nicholas, and there's no way he's slower than Peterson for covering TE's or HB's.

Not at third round, not in this draft.

[delaigle]

Prepare for the worst, what if both Peterson and Nicholas sign with other teams?

Here's what is left

WSLB Adkins ?James?

MLB Lofton ?Wood?

SSLB Weatherspoon Wire

if just Peterson returns

WSLB Peterson Adkins

MLB Lofton Wire ?Wood?

SSLB Weatherspoon ?James?

if just Nicholas returns

WSLB Weatherspoon Adkins

MLB Lofton Wire ?Wood?

SSLB Nicholas ?James?

Of course we all expect Wood to go to the PS and James must improve tremendously to

make the 53 man roster and if he can't he's gone-- can't go back to the PS, probably why they resigned Wood

Why do they need Dent?????

Edited May 9, 2011 by delaigle