Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

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