With the third pick in the sixth round (176th overall) the Falcons selected Miami (Fla.) linebacker Spencer Adkins.
He was the first player taken from Miami in the 2009 NFL Draft.
Adkins (5-foot-11, 230 lbs.) did well at his Pro Day, running the 40-yard dash in 4.3 seconds.
He was a backup middle linebacker and came into games as a pass-rusher. He finished 2008 with 20 tackles and four sacks.
“There were a couple questions about if I liked the inside or rushing off the edge,” Adkins said at his Pro Day. “I told them, ‘It doesn’t matter. Whatever you want me to do I’ll be able to do.’ I think (the Pro Day) opened up a lot of eyes.”
Adkins’ high school coach said he spoke with the linebacker Saturday and up to 17 teams were interested in his services.
Snead said the Falcons like Adkins speed and look to use him as a rush linebacker and special teams contributor.
“He was a part-time starter mainly used in a sub-package where they rushed him off the edge,” Snead said.
The personnel man also talked about Miami’s fall from grace but, like many players who went through the high school system in Florida and played college ball in the state, Adkins has plenty going for him.
“They’re usually where USC is right now,” Snead said when asked about the Hurricanes. “They’re been down. But if you notice one thing about Florida players they’re fast and that’s what this guy is.”
MORE ON SPENCER ADKINS:
- SNEAD: Thoughts on the pick from Les Snead
- AJC: Falcons select Miami running back in sixth round
- NEWS: Former Naples star taken by Falcons (Naples Daily News)
- FORUMS: Talk about the selection with other fans
- AJC: Falcons continue defensive focus in Day Two
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23 Comments
man he’s fast. well i like the pick, we need a linebacker and if he turns out good we got a steal if not we only wasted a sixth round pick. hopefuly he’ll be another great player that came out of miami. good pick TD
man I played football 15 years ago 40 was 4.264 I was a rb. Adkins runs 4.3 and he is a MLB somebody tell me why not SS or CB, this is a steal can you say Deion Sanders but at linebacker, pass-rusher come on!!!!!!
Is this guy a LB or a safety?
I know he is technically a LB, but dang….
If he turns into a straight ST ace with situation pass rush use, he is a good pick in the 6th.
i cant wait to play with this guy in madden 2010
Why not convert this guy to saftey?
because we picked william moore..good idea though
Sounds like a gunner to me. If he is so great, why couldn’t he start on a team that has only had one player taken in the draft? I don’t know. Seems like there were better options. But who am I to question the Mad Russian.
Reminds me of manny lawson. If he stays healthy he will be great
hope he can develop into a solid pass rusher. the Falcons have been working hard to help out john abraham in the pass rushing department. good job Falcons
looks like he’ll be used in the passing game which should give abraham some much needed help and hopefuly it will help anderson to actualy contribute some this year. i can’t wait til we play the bucs. i realy hope they start freeman thats 2 wins next year
He’s an edge LB – Strong Safety tweener. Unbelievable quickness/speed for a 230lb. guy. And he can hit. I like the pick. Look for good things on special teams this year.
I believe that he will be somewhat like curtis lofton if he is alloted the chance to prove himself. He will take the place of coy wire on special teams at first and could develop into a great linebacker. Advice: Hit the weights and keep your speed up. You’ll do fine. Just practice hard and give it your all.
all I know is TD hasn’t made a bad move yet. so he must know something
speed kills
He’s listed at 246 on the miami website and nfl.com. I really like this pick. He’ll probly be only special teams in 2009 and maybe have a chance in 2010/11 to take over peterson’s spot. We’ll see. He’s great in coverage and at pass rushing, just a slow first step, doesn’t have the instincs.
Im suprised the raiders didnt draft him first overall
Here is a link to some highlights from Miami’s ‘08 season.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5FzK1K0AuM
Adkins #48 make’s some nice hits at the 12 sec mark the 7:34 and 7:58 mark. It is my hope that Adkins represents the Hurricanes well in his NFL career. I am happy with this pick.
Someone get a pillow and shovel and go to Al’s house and do Oakland a favor.
The “value” pick potential to get a guy this fast that was available this deep in the draft is why this guy was picked up. The value that he can provide on special teams alone is reason enough to pick up this guy. Falcon’s are also considering some 3-4 packages too so if this guy can provide a great option for a stunt package off the edge or if he picks up the zone concept it will be like having a 3rd safety out there. There are tons of upsides to this guy with very little invested at such a late pick. Falcon’s management continues to impress. Thanks for the youtube link AtlCane!
Luv the speed!
I played against Spenser in high school for 2 years and man…I knew from the first time I played him I knew he’d be in the NFL. Good guy, amazing athlete. Congrats.
I can’t wait until next season and madden 10.
I think this was a good pick. we need LB’s. if he struggles then move him to safety because of his speed. but i really think he will help us out on the defence. good pick!