Akeem Spence (Illinois) - 2013 NFL Draft Pick #100 by TB
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Akeem Spence (2013 NFL Draft)
Player Profile:
- Name: Akeem Spence
- Position: Defensive Tackle
- College: University of Illinois
- Height: 6'1"
- Weight: 307 lbs
Strengths:
- Strong and powerful frame, capable of holding his ground against double teams.
- Good initial quickness off the line, allowing him to penetrate into the backfield.
- Displays solid technique in using his hands to shed blockers.
- Versatile player who can fit into various defensive schemes, including 4-3 and 3-4 alignments.
- Reliable in run defense, showing the ability to tackle effectively and disrupt plays.
Weaknesses:
- Can struggle with conditioning, leading to inconsistency in performance over the course of games.
- Lacks elite pass-rushing ability; not a primary threat to generate sacks.
- Occasionally gets too high in his stance, which can lead to leverage issues against taller opponents.
- Needs to improve his awareness and reaction time to quickly diagnose plays.
Overall Assessment:
Akeem Spence is a solid defensive tackle prospect with the potential to be a reliable contributor at the next level. His strength and versatility make him an appealing option for teams looking to bolster their defensive line. While he may not be a star pass rusher, his ability to stop the run and occupy space in the middle of the line makes him a valuable asset.
Projected Draft Round: 4th to 5th round