4th Round #1: Geno Atkins

[HoosierCat]

Nice piece from the 'fins site:

/>http://www.miamidolphins.com/news/georgias-geno-atkins-hoping-follow-former-dolphin-fathers-footsteps

Georgia's Geno Atkins Hoping To Follow In Former Dolphin Father's Footsteps

INDIANAPOLIS - When Geno Atkins was a young boy he got to see the inside of two different NFL locker rooms while his father, Gene Atkins, was playing for the Miami Dolphins and New Orleans Saints. Those last three seasons in Miami are what Atkins has the clearest memories of as he was eight when his father finished his career as a free safety, and now that he is another step closer to realizing his own NFL dream they are even more significant.

Atkins parlayed a solid college career at the University of Georgia into an invite first to the Senior Bowl, where he got to work with Dolphins Head Coach Tony Sparano and his staff and then to this week's NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Taking instruction from the Dolphins coaches and now doing everything he can to improve his stock in the upcoming draft has allowed Atkins to reflect on his developmental years growing up in Pembroke Pines and playing high school football at St. Thomas Aquinas.

"Coach George Smith did a wonderful job coaching me up and just installed in me the value of hard work and practice, and with the rich tradition that helped me go onto the next level and succeed in college," Atkins said. "I still follow them a little bit and was a bit surprised that they lost in the (2009) state semifinals."

It wasn't until his freshman year of high school that Atkins even approached his father about playing football as Gene did not want to push him into the sport. He made sure all of his kids tried every sport and allowed them to make their own choices, and once Geno expressed a strong desire to put on the helmet and shoulder pads his father was there to work with him and give him some instruction.

For Gene, he couldn't be prouder of how far his son has progressed, especially without having played any youth football. His athleticism and versatility were maximized at St. Thomas by Smith as he used him as a defensive tackle and then as a middle linebacker his junior year before switching him back to defensive tackle, and that goes back to the lessons from his father, who knew what was going to be the most important thing to teach from when Geno was just 5.

"He was a big kid and when he was 5-years-old I pretty much knew there was something special about him," said the elder Atkins by phone from Round Rock, Texas, where he owns his own clothing apparel store. "Big kids tend to be kind of clumsy so then I started working on his foot speed. I told him if he's going to be big he better have good foot speed, and when he came to me in high school and told me he wanted to play football I said, ‘Let's get to work.'"

Back when Gene Atkins came out of Florida A&M University in Tallahassee as a 5-foot-11, 201-pound defensive back in 1987 - the year before his son his was born - he had a tougher road to success in the NFL. The Saints selected him in the seventh round with the 179th overall pick and his best season came in 1991 when he had five interceptions for 198 return yards and recorded 75 tackles.

The fact that Geno Atkins is projected as high as a third-round pick and has the chance to improve his stock with a strong showing here is not lost on his father. And the son has not forgotten the impact his father has had on his development.

"He played a big role," said Geno, who was named the Bulldogs' MVP as a senior and was second-team All-SEC by The Associated Press. "I grew up around football and watched him play for the Saints and Dolphins and he gave me some tidbits on what to expect in high school and college and now at the next level how it's different and what I should do to prepare for that."

Atkins measured out at 6-1 and weighed in at 293 pounds, which is 33 pounds heavier than when he played middle linebacker back in high school. He trained 45 minutes away from the UGA campus at WPI in Gwinnett and considers his strengths to be his leverage, quickness, speed, strength, toughness and "being destructive." Atkins was a two-sport athlete in high school and college, throwing the shot put, and credited that experience with helping him with his explosiveness and ability to stay low and come off blocks.

Getting the chance to receive one-on-one instruction from Dolphins defensive line coach Kacy Rogers in Mobile is something Atkins is very grateful for and something he hopes will translate to success in the league. When he was asked which current NFL player he pays the closest attention to Atkins pointed to New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck, having watched a lot of film of the accomplished pass rusher.

"I just like how he uses his hands and how he comes off the ball, his quickness and speed," Atkins said. "I just like how he uses his game and how he stays active. Even though he looks like he's blocked during a play he just keeps moving and then somehow he makes the play."

His father likes the fact that Geno's athleticism and solid footwork have allowed scouts to talk about him as the type of player that can play defensive end or perhaps even outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense or defensive tackle in a 4-3 because that provides more options. Teams place a lot of value on that type of versatility, and Geno himself credits the level of competition he faced in the SEC with preparing him for the next level, culminating with a strong 2009 after some wondered whether he should have come out a year earlier. He finished with 36 tackles (10.5 for loss) and a team-high quarterback pressures and is scheduled to graduate in May with a degree and housing and property management.

There isn't a lavish draft party planned for the Atkins family because they consider themselves to be more subdued and quiet. On the field, Gene Atkins sees his son as somebody with a high motor that can play with more emotion when the game starts, which is what he was known for in his playing days. He is not so concerned with where his son is taken in the draft, just as long as he gets to go to a good team that will allow him to grow.

"He is a kid that is coachable and he's a quick learner and he's going to give you everything that he's got," Gene said. "That's what I think every coach wants is a kid that's coachable and a player that is willing to listen to what the coaches are going to teach you and Geno has those qualities."

For Geno, if the team that ends up picking him happens to play its home games at Sun Life Stadium or the Superdome, he wouldn't mind that one bit.

"It would be pretty special, almost like playing in my father's footsteps or finishing where he left off, so it would be very big to play with either the Saints or Dolphins," he said. "But it would be very cool to play with the Dolphins because I'd be right at home and my mom could come to the games anytime and see me. She wouldn't have to get on an airplane and I have a lot of people that I know down in Florida so that would be very big playing for my home team."

[NJ29]

There is very little that can be deciphered from the little minicamp videos on Bengals.com, but Geno looks explosive as hell.

[derekshank]

There is very little that can be deciphered from the little minicamp videos on Bengals.com, but Geno looks explosive as hell.

Yeah. I really liked the Atkins pick, simply because of the value it represented.

But I'm simultaneously confused at the idea of asking Dunlap to add 15 lbs so he cam kick it inside on passing downs. Doesn't that seem like a role that Atkins is already uniquely suited for.

So... They have Tank Johnson who gets decent pressure from the inside, Odom who has excelled in that role, and Fanene who has been a fan favorite as a pass-rushing DT. Now we add Dunlap and Atkins, and I'm wondering exactly how many pass rushing DTs this roster needs.

[NJ29]

There is very little that can be deciphered from the little minicamp videos on Bengals.com, but Geno looks explosive as hell.

Yeah. I really liked the Atkins pick, simply because of the value it represented.

But I'm simultaneously confused at the idea of asking Dunlap to add 15 lbs so he cam kick it inside on passing downs. Doesn't that seem like a role that Atkins is already uniquely suited for.

So... They have Tank Johnson who gets decent pressure from the inside, Odom who has excelled in that role, and Fanene who has been a fan favorite as a pass-rushing DT. Now we add Dunlap and Atkins, and I'm wondering exactly how many pass rushing DTs this roster needs.

Yeah I'm with you. I think the ultimate solution would be to have Fanene and Atkins in on passing downs, but Dunlap runs a 4.6 -- I see no reason to waste that on the inside. And as you said, I just don't see the point. I do love the idea of using his size and putting him at LE.

[Kazkal]

But I'm simultaneously confused at the idea of asking Dunlap to add 15 lbs so he cam kick it inside on passing downs. Doesn't that seem like a role that Atkins is already uniquely suited for.

I'm just hoping that was mind set because they didn't have passrushing DT yet but hopefully with Geno they let Dunlap stay pure end more so with MJ being talked about as a hybrid

Yeah I'm with you. I think the ultimate solution would be to have Fanene and Atkins in on passing downs, but Dunlap runs a 4.6 -- I see no reason to waste that on the inside. And as you said, I just don't see the point. I do love the idea of using his size and putting him at LE.

More so when a Dunlap-Geno-Odom(or fanene)-MJ on passing downs sounds alot sexier atleast to me then a Geathers on the edge and a dunlap in the middle.

[NJ29]

How's this Kaz -- Fanene and Geno at tackle, Dunlap and Odom at end, Rey at Mike, and MJ at Sam, and blitz MJ and Rey!

[derekshank]

With all these pass rushing DTs, maybe the Bengals want to bring back the 5-2 defense. Ha!

Come to think of it, the Bengals really have a great roster to run the 46 defense. The Jets ran it a lot last year because they had such good cover corners.

Joseph and Hall are suited for that as well as anyone in the league. Roy Williams is a prototype SS for the 46, and using MJ as a SLB in the 46 would be fun to watch if nothing else.

[derekshank]

*double post*

[Kazkal]

With all these pass rushing DTs, maybe the Bengals want to bring back the 5-2 defense. Ha!

Come to think of it, the Bengals really have a great roster to run the 46 defense. The Jets ran it a lot last year because they had such good cover corners.

Joseph and Hall are suited for that as well as anyone in the league. Roy Williams is a prototype SS for the 46, and using MJ as a SLB in the 46 would be fun to watch if nothing else.

Didn't they play few plays of 5-2 last year when They would have MJ with his hand down on the outside of a in?

PS,I'd be up for some 46 you have to imagine Zimmer is cooking something up though with all these veristile players and already stating he wants get MJ some time at LB and rey some time inside...that MJ will not only get time at SLB but also WLB which makes me think hes going to be all over the damn field <3 <3 <3

[derekshank]

With all these pass rushing DTs, maybe the Bengals want to bring back the 5-2 defense. Ha!

Come to think of it, the Bengals really have a great roster to run the 46 defense. The Jets ran it a lot last year because they had such good cover corners.

Joseph and Hall are suited for that as well as anyone in the league. Roy Williams is a prototype SS for the 46, and using MJ as a SLB in the 46 would be fun to watch if nothing else.

Didn't they play few plays of 5-2 last year when They would have MJ with his hand down on the outside of a in?

PS,I'd be up for some 46 you have to imagine Zimmer is cooking something up though with all these veristile players and already stating he wants get MJ some time at LB and rey some time inside...that MJ will not only get time at SLB but also WLB which makes me think hes going to be all over the damn field <3 <3 <3

I'm not sure. I can never pay that close attention to it during a game... and I only went back to rewatch a handful of games this year. So I'm not really an expert on what formations the defense used this past year.

That said, I remember reading that the Jets ran the 46 very successfully last year... and I imagine with the talent on the Bengals roster, they would have the same success. Strong cover corners, an in the box safety, and a group of very versatile Linemen and LBs.

I can't wait to see this defense in action again. If the offense doesn't Truro be something it's not andthrowing the ball 40 times a game, this defense should be even better.

[BengalPimp]

Yeah I'm with you. I think the ultimate solution would be to have Fanene and Atkins in on passing downs, but Dunlap runs a 4.6 -- I see no reason to waste that on the inside. And as you said, I just don't see the point.

Let me explain. Even on passing downs, it's unlikely that the DT will get to the QB.....SO....It's preferrable to have someone who's taller, that way they can at least get their hands up and possibly deflect/tip a pass attempt. That's when a 6'6" frame with long arms comes into play over a guy like Atkins (barely 6'1"). Fanene stands 6'4" for example. While at Florida, Dunlap was credited with 8 deflected passes (good number) on the line, and even added 4 blocked kicks...he can get his hands up.

[cincyhokie]

Yeah I'm with you. I think the ultimate solution would be to have Fanene and Atkins in on passing downs, but Dunlap runs a 4.6 -- I see no reason to waste that on the inside. And as you said, I just don't see the point.

Let me explain. Even on passing downs, it's unlikely that the DT will get to the QB.....SO....It's preferrable to have someone who's taller, that way they can at least get their hands up and possibly deflect/tip a pass attempt. That's when a 6'6" frame with long arms comes into play over a guy like Atkins (barely 6'1"). Fanene stands 6'4" for example. While at Florida, Dunlap was credited with 8 deflected passes (good number) on the line, and even added 4 blocked kicks...he can get his hands up.

+1

[Kazkal]

4 of top 10 of last years passrushing DT's were under 6'3,Depends on team and system but if you have DT who is 6'5 2 DE's who are 6'6- 6'7 I think a team can get away with one being in whos only 6'1...

Zimmer feels the guy can help us get push in the middle otherwise why would he had drafted him? SO I gotta side with Zimmers opinion over yours no offense.

[JoePong]

There is very little that can be deciphered from the little minicamp videos on Bengals.com, but Geno looks explosive as hell.

Yeah. I really liked the Atkins pick, simply because of the value it represented.

But I'm simultaneously confused at the idea of asking Dunlap to add 15 lbs so he cam kick it inside on passing downs. Doesn't that seem like a role that Atkins is already uniquely suited for.

So... They have Tank Johnson who gets decent pressure from the inside, Odom who has excelled in that role, and Fanene who has been a fan favorite as a pass-rushing DT. Now we add Dunlap and Atkins, and I'm wondering exactly how many pass rushing DTs this roster needs.

Nobody's "asking" Dunlap to add 15 lbs. All they said is they think he will eventually grow into that. They think that's what he'll end up being.

[derekshank]

There is very little that can be deciphered from the little minicamp videos on Bengals.com, but Geno looks explosive as hell.

Yeah. I really liked the Atkins pick, simply because of the value it represented.

But I'm simultaneously confused at the idea of asking Dunlap to add 15 lbs so he cam kick it inside on passing downs. Doesn't that seem like a role that Atkins is already uniquely suited for.

So... They have Tank Johnson who gets decent pressure from the inside, Odom who has excelled in that role, and Fanene who has been a fan favorite as a pass-rushing DT. Now we add Dunlap and Atkins, and I'm wondering exactly how many pass rushing DTs this roster needs.

Nobody's "asking" Dunlap to add 15 lbs. All they said is they think he will eventually grow into that. They think that's what he'll end up being.

Maybe, but that's beside the point.

The point I was making (and both Marvin and Zimmer said it multiple times in the press conference) was they liked him because he'd be able to kick it inside on passing downs. But they also say he needs to get stronger, so I feel like having him play DT misuses his best quality, which is his edge speed.

Zimmer also compared to him to Gerald McCoy, and Jay Hayes felt like he could eventually be a great 3-technique DT. It just seems like, even though he's going to start out as a DE, they want him to play a lot of DT, and with Odom and Fanene often playing DT on passing downs, it seems like they have a ton of those kinds of guys.

[Rolltide]

Bengals got great value with Atkins who is one of the fastest DTs in the draft and considered a pure one gap type guy. He ran a 4.43 shuttle which was the best among all the DTs.

Obviously Zimmer is looking for linemen with speed who can come up the field and make penetration into the backfield and they got great value where they picked both Dunlap and Atkins.

Atkins is not going to get any bigger and he doesn't need to get any stronger. He lifted 34 times at the combine. But a nice combination of speed and strength and a nice system fit. Ideally suited for an aggressive 4-3. They may try him on the outside on run downs since he is fast and agile enough but his height might cause him to get eaten up by huge tackles.

[Rolltide]

A note on Odom and his health.

Don't hold your breath he had only one healthy year for the Titans and that was the contract year when he had 8 sacks and it got him the $6M a year contract.

Odom is a physical freak with similar measurables from his 2004 combine to Jason Pierre=Paul. 6'5 275 with a 4.76 40 he certainly has the athletic ability to succeed. I remember one game against the rams when he picked up a fumble and ran it in for a TD. He barely broke stride when he bent down for the ball. A very unusual athlete for that size.

I remember one preseason when he was totally dominant and nobody could block him but in the regular season he had just 2 sacks.

Note that i am a Bama fan so i have no reason to bash Odom but where the Bengals were willing to give him a $6M a year deal the Titans were not.

I hope he stays healthy and plays well for you guys and along with Dunlap you have 2 off the charts guys on the front.

[Trevor]

A note on Odom and his health.

Don't hold your breath he had only one healthy year for the Titans and that was the contract year when he had 8 sacks and it got him the $6M a year contract.

Odom is a physical freak with similar measurables from his 2004 combine to Jason Pierre=Paul. 6'5 275 with a 4.76 40 he certainly has the athletic ability to succeed. I remember one game against the rams when he picked up a fumble and ran it in for a TD. He barely broke stride when he bent down for the ball. A very unusual athlete for that size.

I remember one preseason when he was totally dominant and nobody could block him but in the regular season he had just 2 sacks.

Note that i am a Bama fan so i have no reason to bash Odom but where the Bengals were willing to give him a $6M a year deal the Titans were not.

I hope he stays healthy and plays well for you guys and along with Dunlap you have 2 off the charts guys on the front.

Appreciate it bro

[TJJackson]

Atkins has sickle cell, but so did his dad (a ten year NFL safety)

/>http://www.local12.com/news/local/story/Bengals-DT-Atkins-has-sickle-cell-trait/T41q7_AaeEWpjEsyHHJFHQ.cspx

[derekshank]

Did you guys see where Zimmer gave him the nickname Taz?

That can't be a bad thing.

[TJJackson]

.....unless he's so active and jumpy he pulls frequent offsides penalties

Mind you, I really like this player already

[BlainThePain]

Everything I read about him reminds me so much of John Randle. Undersized, built like a rock, quick, and high energy.

[Kazkal]

Did you guys see where Zimmer gave him the nickname Taz?

That can't be a bad thing.

Seems like they changed it to Sonic because Taz was to beyond geno's time ^^ all same Like this pic more and more.

[derekshank]

Geno Atikins: Stud

These rankings are based entirely on the 2011 season (as opposed to future potential or past accomplishments). Matt Miller ranks him as the 2nd best DT in the NFL... 2nd only to Haloti Ngata.

Agility - 7

Atkins' subtle agility is hidden in his short, stocky frame, but it's there.

Bull Rush - 9

Fires off the line with low center of gravity and excellent body control, maximizing his momentum to crash and drive at the line of scrimmage.

Speed Rush - 10

Uses his quick first step to catch blockers off-guard. He's flexible enough to dip his shoulder and slip through the line.

Run Defense - 7.5

Can be disruptive in the run game, shows the ability to penetrate and make tackles. The one area where there is room for slight improvement would be his ability to stuff lanes.

Speed/Burst - 8

Has a short, but quick first step that lets him get inside the frame of blockers.

Strength - 9

Deceptively strong, watch Atkins use an outside rip move to stutter free of a blocker and you'll see how strong he is.

Shed Blockers - 9

Uses his hands, and entire upper body, to shake free of blockers.

Read & React - 8

For a second-year player, Atkins was lights out. Did a great job reading and reacting to keys in the alignment and backfield.

Tackle - 8

Missed two tackles in the games we charted this year. Atkins is a solid, sound tackler.

Health - 10

Didn't miss any games in 2011.

Overall - 85.5

A second-year stud, Atkins has quickly surpassed his draft stock and expectations. He's a penetrator who can also stop the run. A big body who knows how to rush the passer. There's really nothing that Atkins can't do.

Did anyone think that this is the quality of player the Bengals were getting with a 4th round pick?

For those interested in knowing where other Bengal DTs ranked on Miller's list without clicking through all 64 pages:

Pat Sims ranked 61st with a score of 53.

Domata Peko ranked 59th with a score of 55.

Amobi Okoye ranked 25th with a score of 69.5... so hopefully the Bengals get that deal done.

[ArmyBengal]

Nice post Derek. In going back through the thread, most people seemed to like the pick, but were still not sure how things were going to look along the d-line. Just another example of fans not knowing the whole story and what the coaches want.