Bucs Pick Illinois D-Tackle Akeem Spence
April 27th, 2013
So the Bucs finally got their defensive tackle, Akeem Spence from Illinois.
Spence is a big dude with good hands and has a quick first step, which usually gives him a quick advantage over offensive linemen.
Spence also has good movement along the line and rarely gets worn out.
Seems to Joe this is guy will be a backup right away. Not sure how much pass rushing ability he provides the Bucs.
April 27th, 2013 at 12:18 pm
Defintely needed this one. Take a LB or TE in the 5th.
April 27th, 2013 at 12:21 pm
Thanks – let’s go
April 27th, 2013 at 12:22 pm
Sorry Apple, no cutting and pasting like that. That’s what Joe’s links are for. — Joe
April 27th, 2013 at 12:22 pm
Bucrightoff we have another 4th TE I think
April 27th, 2013 at 12:22 pm
What? BSPN and all my internet mock drafts rated higher Jesse Williams! Are you kidding me???
🙂
LMAO
April 27th, 2013 at 12:23 pm
@bucrightoff Bucs have another pick in the 4th whooooohoooo!
April 27th, 2013 at 12:23 pm
What did they use in the trade?
April 27th, 2013 at 12:24 pm
Looks like a solid pick. Filled an immediate need. Less worry about the rush now. Good one!
April 27th, 2013 at 12:24 pm
From a Patriots scout:
“Initially thought of as a potential first round pick at the start of the season, Spence didn’t have the season that many NFL Draft writers and Illinois fans were expecting. I was a little surprised to hear that he chose to declare, but it only takes one NFL team to fall in love with your potential.
Spence improved a lot from when I scouted Illinois in person against Northwestern, where he struggled against double teams and lost energy as the game went on.
When I scouted him against Arizona State this year, Spence was in better shape, had a better anchor and played with better pad discipline.
At 6’1″ and 305 pounds, Spence wouldn’t really fit as a 5-technique defensive end, but he would be a natural fit as a disruptive player inside at either the 1-technique or 3-technique. He excels at shooting gaps, shedding single blocks and using his natural strength to get to the ball carrier.
He totaled 72 tackles on the year, which is a fantastic figure for a defensive tackle, but a single sack during his junior season (3.5 career) shows some issues with his pass rush.
If the Patriots, or another team is looking for an interior linemen with room to improve in the 3rd-5th round area, Spence is a player that could certainly develop into a quality NFL starter.”
April 27th, 2013 at 12:24 pm
They can still get another DT, DE or LB with the 2nd 4th pick
April 27th, 2013 at 12:25 pm
a 6th in the trade
April 27th, 2013 at 12:26 pm
I like the picks. All I heard was complains about depth and now they are getting it.
April 27th, 2013 at 12:28 pm
I would absolutely LOVE to see them draft William Gholston with their next 4th round pick. Built like a larger Jason Taylor and has explosive movement and change of direction. Would seriously upgrade our depth at DE.
April 27th, 2013 at 12:28 pm
Looked at his game against Ohio State and the video on this post. THIS GUY SUCKS.
He has not power moves and is usually get THROWN back or to the ground by offensive linemen
. Not that great of a pick IMO
April 27th, 2013 at 12:29 pm
This guy is Strong! is Mccoy can mentor him he could be very good..
April 27th, 2013 at 12:30 pm
Sorry guys, I understand the pick not the trade up. Nick Williams/Samford has more upside and probably a 5th round pick.
April 27th, 2013 at 12:33 pm
Passrush? No. But he does replace Roy Miller.
April 27th, 2013 at 12:36 pm
He is just a fat boy to eat up blockers. LOL
April 27th, 2013 at 12:39 pm
The rest of this draft is all about depth. If they wanted a starting OLB in this draft, they would have picked one with this pick.
In 2-3 years this kid might be okay, but he’ll be benched the first 8 games and will spot play after that.
April 27th, 2013 at 12:40 pm
He is not fat he is all muscle and I love this pick True Buccaneer man. I’m actually excited going into the season TE, WR DE LB patch something up
April 27th, 2013 at 12:41 pm
he is a run stuffer
April 27th, 2013 at 12:42 pm
Ok he has a little fat lol
April 27th, 2013 at 12:47 pm
Why is it you say nothing but positive things about him, then completely write him off in the last paragraph?
April 27th, 2013 at 12:58 pm
This draft sucks, I really hope this guys become usable for us…
April 27th, 2013 at 1:00 pm
I’m with Mac, the pick was ok but the trade up baffles me. I don’t think there was any danger to wait another 10 picks. We unneccsesarily gave up a 6th rd. pick for no reason.
April 27th, 2013 at 1:03 pm
give it a rest armchair GMs
April 27th, 2013 at 1:06 pm
@ 4everBucsFan
we always do that. the bucs make it clear they arent going to wait around for a guy they want. they would rather lose a later pick than to miss out on a guy they want. it shows conviction on their part.
April 27th, 2013 at 1:08 pm
and there goes Kasheem Greene…
April 27th, 2013 at 1:10 pm
@Andrew1
They allegedly wanted Banks and didn’t traded up to get him…
April 27th, 2013 at 1:11 pm
Anybody like Michael Williams from Alabama in this offense?
April 27th, 2013 at 1:16 pm
@ k bassuka
I know and I dont have an answer for that. they dont move up for every player but my guess is they where feeling the heat to get a DT and didnt want to take the chance of losing the one they wanted.
April 27th, 2013 at 1:22 pm
maybe they had Banks ranked alot lower on their draft board then where they got him and conversely they Spence ranked alot higher on their draft board then where they get him so they decided to move up to get him.
April 27th, 2013 at 1:24 pm
A more agile version of Roy- which is a good thing.
April 27th, 2013 at 1:30 pm
If the goal is to put him at Nose Tackle, then his job is to eat up blocks and then clean up the run with lateral movement. If that’s the goal, then this is a great pick. Spence is strong and moves very well sideline to sideline. I like the pick.
April 27th, 2013 at 1:32 pm
Kevin Reddick 6’1″ 243 North Carolina?
April 27th, 2013 at 1:34 pm
He will help keep the run d outstanding. Definitely faster than Miller, will be in the DT rotation with the veteran DT’s. He will make more tackles sideline to sideline than had we taken Williams. Good depth.
April 27th, 2013 at 1:39 pm
YES we got William Gholston 6’6″ 281 Michigan St….Luv how this kid knocks down passes