2024 UDFA Initial Signings And Discussion

[Bolt-O]

Not too sure about this one:

[beachcomber]

• WR – Jaelen Gill, Fresno State
• WR – Jaylen Johnson, East Carolina
• TE – Zach Heins, South Dakota State
• TE – Luke Benson, Georgia Tech
• OT – Tyler McLellan, Campbell
• OL – Willis Patrick, TCU
• DL – Savion Jackson, NC State
• DL – Michael Mason, Coastal Carolina
• LB – Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste, Ole Miss
• S – Akeem Dent, FSU

https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-udfa-tracker-2024/

[Bolt-O]

[Bolt-O]

[CanadianBoltFan]

• WR – Jaelen Gill, Fresno State
• WR – Jaylen Johnson, East Carolina
• TE – Zach Heins, South Dakota State
• TE – Luke Benson, Georgia Tech
• OT – Tyler McLellan, Campbell
• OL – Willis Patrick, TCU
• DL – Savion Jackson, NC State
• DL – Michael Mason, Coastal Carolina
• LB – Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste, Ole Miss
• S – Akeem Dent, FSU

https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-udfa-tracker-2024/

Seems underwelming group though I cant say I know much about them. Akeem Dent, a coverage safety seems the most interesting to me

[beachcomber]

Overview

Heins has an NFL frame and a willingness to do the dirty work as a run blocker. He lacks short-area footwork and bend to be much of a route-runner but is a big, reliable target as a zone-beater between the hashes. He’s physical after the catch but will struggle to get open against concentrated coverage. His tenacity and play strength are NFL-ready as a blocker. He has a great feel for landmarks and technique as a zone blocker. Also, he shows drive and finish when scrapping at the point of attack. Heins has soft hands and will make catches here and there as a pro, but he will earn a roster spot based on his ability as a well-rounded run blocker.


Strengths

• Beats up on smaller players in tight quarters as a pass catcher.
• Brings throws in with his eyes and is quick to secure the ball.
• Physical during run after catch and can drag tacklers for first downs.
• Good feel for positioning and sustain as wide-zone blocker.
• Above-average play strength with a taste for finishing blocks.
• Shows talent to turn and kick out defenders or wash them down.

Weaknesses

• Runs stop routes but struggles getting in and out of breaks.
• Will have a tough time uncovering against man coverage.
• Likely tethered to possession catches underneath.
• Footwork into block fits can get a little bit sloppy.

[Bolt-O]

[Bolt-O]

[beachcomber]

NFLDraftDiamonds.com: "FS with solid frame and good athletic tools and is a decent pass defender and a strong, willing run defender. Can be a decent safety at the next level and a strong special teams contributor. Needs to show more consistent effort from the back side and be placed in a scheme that allows him to play reasonably closer to LOS."

Dane Brugler of The Athletic (paywall): "Dent must improve his eye discipline, but he plays with speed, versatility, and physicality — which is a good mix for a potential special teamer."

Akeem Dent started his career as a cornerback as a highly-touted recruit, but durability concerns and a lack of a high ceiling at safety gave him a position change and it was for the best. While he still dealt with minor injuries throughout his Florida State career, Dent was as solid as it gets on the back end of the defense. He leaves Tallahassee with 12 career pass breakups, 1 interception, 2 sacks, and allowing a completion percentage of 54.8%.

A bit eccentric, Dent was well liked by teammates at FSU and brings an energetic personality to the locker room.

Dent has decent size at 5’11” and 194 pounds. Along with solid instincts and some versatility, he’s a physical player who can attack downhill. Unfortunately, he was caught too often in college giving up explosive plays.

Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine broke down the best-kept secrets in this year’s draft. That list included Dent at safety, and mentioned the Packers as one of the best fits the Seminoles prospect.

“Akeem Dent is a deep cut, but there’s a lot to like about the Florida State safety,” Ballentine wrote. “There isn’t a lot of star power in this year’s safety class. It’s a good year to target a potential sleeper in the later rounds of the draft. NFL Mock Draft Database currently projects him as an undrafted free agent, but the Packers used a top 30 visit on the Seminoles defender.”

[wu-dai clan]

Willis Patrick….uhmmm 😅

NaVorro Bowman stood on the Charger draft table for him.

[JOJAX85]

We got us a fancy chicken. They let me stay there 1 semester so I'm Alumni...ish. 🤣

[Bolt-O]