blkbigdog35 Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Can another undrafted player fill Falcons' need at linebacker?Vaughn McClure, ESPN Atlanta Falcons reporter Near the end of the NFL draft Saturday, former North Texas linebacker Derek Akunne began receiving text messages from Atlanta Falcons linebackers coach Jeff Ulbrich.The 5-foot-11, 234-pound Akunne anticipated going undrafted, but he wasn't exactly sure which team would be interested in him as a free agent. Ulbrich brought clarity to the situation."He was saying that they needed linebackers, and he said that he thought I could come help bring the defense back to where it needs to be," said Akunne, who signed with the Falcons. "I think it's a good opportunity for me to come in and show them I can help them out. I'm just excited to get this chance." The Falcons filled defensive needs in the draft, just not at inside linebacker. They showed interest in players such as UCLA's Eric Kendricks (Vikings), TCU's Paul Dawson (Bengals) and Miami'sDenzel Perryman (Chargers) throughout the draft process. However, nothing ever materialized."We feel like we've continued to focus on that through free agency, and we definitely looked at it in the draft," general manager Thomas Dimitroff said of the inside linebacker spots. "Sometimes it's the way the draft falls, as you can imagine. There were certain parts of the linebacker setup that maybe there weren't as many linebackers out there that we thought were fitting what we were looking for at certain spots."We think we have a nice, evolving linebacker group here with the additions of what we did in free agency. And we have a **** good coach in Jeff Ulbrich."The continued development of Paul Worrilow as a workhorse and leader makes the Falcons more comfortable about what they have, at least at middle linebacker. Worrilow has slimmed down to 235 pounds and his relentless work ethic has caught the attention of the coaches."He's another player when I think of grit, I think of Paul Worrilow and the toughness, the attitude," Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. "He might as well be part of the coaching staff. When I come here in the morning, he's just right about to walk into the door at the same time. I love his attitude. I love his style, and I can't wait to get started with him. As a football player, you love all the traits about him. ... He's off to a great start. He really is."Remember, Worrilow came to the Falcons two years ago as an undrafted signee out of Delaware. Since then, he's started 28 games and led the team in tackles each of the last two seasons.Could Akunne be the next Worrilow? That's what he's aiming to be. The former high school offensive tackle led Conference USA with 108 tackles last season. He finished his career with 308 tackles and 23 tackles for loss.Akunne said he talked to the Falcons about playing the "Mike" or "Will," the inside linebacker spots in their scheme."I think my biggest assets as a player are my intelligence and my toughness," Akunne said. "I'm not afraid to hit somebody anywhere -- defense, special teams. I just want to hit somebody."Akunne needs to make a strong impression during rookie minicamp. He leaves for Atlanta on Thursday and then has to rush back to school after the three-day minicamp for final exams.He hopes to ace his test with the Falcons first."I really wasn't bothered about not getting drafted," Akunne said. "I just want an opportunity, however I can get it." Should be interesting to see what he can bring to the table. The guy sounds hungry for the oppurtunity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romfal Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 you all keep hating on Worrilow, I think he will prove the haters wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
likeriver Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 I don't get why people hate on Worrilow. I think in this revamped defense he's going to be at least good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blkbigdog35 Posted May 3, 2015 Author Share Posted May 3, 2015 you all keep hating on Worrilow, I think he will prove the haters wrong.I'm not and stating by the article the team is definitely on board with his progress by their comments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Francis York Morgan Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 I like Akunne a lot. This isn't hate on Worrilow at all, I'm a big supporter. But I want Akunne to make the roster.Here are some highlights for those interested. He'll decleat some people. Kid is straight up violent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vel Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 you all keep hating on Worrilow, I think he will prove the haters wrong.It's stupid. They hate on him because PFF says he's the worst LB in the league as of last year. Their don't tend to use their brains though. Worrilow, as with other front seven guys, were asked to bulk up because we were transitioning to a 3-4 defense, where you need bigger ILBs to take on OL. Then we run a 4-2-5 base and ask our LBs to cover a ton of ground with this extra weight while also trying to stop the run with a 6 man box. Yea... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lornoth Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 We still need a real backup MLB behind Worr. Spruill will get a shot, and so will this guy. It'll be an interesting battle to watch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KRUNKuno Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 It's good to hear Ulbrich say we need backers. That's painfully obvious as our depth is sucksville.I like the tape on akunne. He plays with seek and estroy intent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romfal Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 We still need a real backup MLB behind Worr. Spruill will get a shot, and so will this guy. It'll be an interesting battle to watch.we brought in that dude from Seattle.Allen bradford, tho he might play WLB in this scheme. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lornoth Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 we brought in that dude from Seattle.Allen bradford, tho he might play WLB in this scheme.Yeah there are a number of guys that could compete for the position. It's pretty nice to finally have actual competition at depth spots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DurtyBurdz155 Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 He has a lot of potential. He is looking for the ball carrier and will do damage Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkerFalcon8710 Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 (edited) We have a **** ton of linebackers...Wor AkunneBradordDurantReedBartu SpruillStarrStuparShembo SchofieldAnd if you wanna include the Leo VicBeermanMapongaAnyone else I'm forgetting? Edited May 3, 2015 by SkerFalcon8710 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tnfalcon8 Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Worrilow's gonna beast when this D-line gets rolling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lornoth Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 We have a **** ton of linebackers...WorAkunneBradordDurantReedBartuSpruillStarrStuparAnd if you wanna include the LeoVicBeermanMapongaAnyone else I'm forgetting?Schofield and Shembo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkerFalcon8710 Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Schofield and Shembo.Yep just noticed it. Thanks mang Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert_Falcon Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 (edited) Already added. With everyone we have at LB we should be pretty solid. Edited May 3, 2015 by ICD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkerFalcon8710 Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 I see Stupar, Starr,Spruill,bartu getting axed this year Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blkbigdog35 Posted May 3, 2015 Author Share Posted May 3, 2015 Amazing this thread turned into a potential hate worrilow when it was suppose to be about Akunne making the roster, smfh!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkerFalcon8710 Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 Amazing this thread turned into a potential hate worrilow when it was suppose to be about Akunne making the roster, smfh!! What else would you expect? People yo be happy? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lornoth Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 I see Stupar, Starr,Spruill,bartu getting axed this yearI could see Bartu. Spruill... hard to know. I think the first two make it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blkbigdog35 Posted May 3, 2015 Author Share Posted May 3, 2015 What else would you expect? People yo be happy?Not much probably the reason I don't post in TATF very much Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PokerSteve Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 I like Akunne a lot. This isn't hate on Worrilow at all, I'm a big supporter. But I want Akunne to make the roster.Here are some highlights for those interested. He'll decleat some people. Kid is straight up violent. If Q can't find great ways to take advantage of this guy's quickness I'll be the most shocked guy in the ATL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spanish_falcon Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 you all keep hating on Worrilow, I think he will prove the haters wrong.I dont hate him, i actually admire his work ethic (probably the best in the team) and appears to be a good leader, but i think he just doesnt have starter quality. PFF ranking him 2nd worst LB last year only confirmed what we saw on tv. Slow, cant shed blocks and misses tackles. Quinn scheme and improved DL should help him but im not expecting nothing more than average play from him Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romfal Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 I dont hate him, i actually admire his work ethic (probably the best in the team) and appears to be a good leader, but i think he just doesnt have starter quality. PFF ranking him 2nd worst LB last year only confirmed what we saw on tv. Slow, cant shed blocks and misses tackles. Quinn scheme and improved DL should help him but im not expecting nothing more than average play from himSmith asked him to bulk up to play 3-4 ILB, now he slimmed down to have more mobility. Our D-line was **** last year which makes everyone else play bad too. Cant always blame the player. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falcon82111 Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 This guy plays the way inside linebacker is suppose to be played . From the highlight reel looks like he plays lights out with a violent attitude. love it !!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.