Georgia Rookies Fit, Concerns and Predictions: Defense

John Atkins

Pick: Undrafted

Team: New England Patriots

Fit:

Of all the places John Atkins could have chosen, New England matches his skill set well.

At Georgia, Atkins wasn’t flashy. He wasn’t a Ndamukong Suh. He wasn’t Grady Jarrett. Without his ability to occupy the middle of the line, Georgia’s linebackers wouldn’t have been able to reach the backfield and shut down offenses as easily as they did.

The Patriots are hoping for similar production in an undrafted rotational player. They’d better be willing to wait on a project.

Atkins doesn’t have the width of a nose tackle so the Patriots would most likely attempt to mold him into a 4-3 defensive tackle.

His character and work ethic makes him an ideal fit in the “Patriot way”. At Georgia, he was quiet but willing to get down and dirty to clear space on the offensive line. He’ll respond to Bill Belichick’s coaching and avoid drawing unwanted attention to himself.

Concerns:

Aside from occupying an offensive lineman or two, Atkins won’t make an impact in pass defense. He’s too slow on his feet to get around interior linemen. He’s strong, but not strong enough to bull rush.

At Georgia, he never recorded a sack. Don’t expect that to change in the NFL.

His greatest value will be in the running game, but interior linemen quick on their feet can get an upper hand on Atkins.

Prediction:

Atkins will find his way into the Patriots’ defensive tackle rotation, albeit not as a third or even fourth man. He will be primarily used on run downs and short yardage situations as a big body to occupy space.

There’s just not enough production for Atkins to have a long career in the NFL.