Re: New Orleans Saints Will Utilize Akiem Hicks’ Versatility
 

To the Football Gods ears !!

Re: New Orleans Saints Will Utilize Akiem Hicks’ Versatility
 

I disagree with the article in that Hicks' skill set would be somewhat mismanaged if he were to be positioned at the 0- or 1-gap on a regular basis. Hicks is best suited to be a 3-4 DE, IMO, because his physical traits would allow him to occupy double teams on a constant basis while NTs should ideally have a lower center of gravity for leverage up the middle - more in line with majority of the centers around the league.

In any case, Hicks was my pre-draft pick last year - although I admit that I wanted Derek Wolfe with the 3rd round pick and thought that Hicks would've been available as late as the 5th round - and I'm excited to see him develop under Rob Ryan for the foreseeable future.

Re: New Orleans Saints Will Utilize Akiem Hicks’ Versatility
 

the more i relearn the 34 defense the more i am leaning to a little shorter stronger NT. a fire plug. tall NT do have their draw backs on running downs. So i see Hicks clogging up the middle on passing downs. then again lets see this style of 34 we are running in action first

no matter how the defense turns out i am looking forward to seeing how each position plays out by seasons end

Re: New Orleans Saints Will Utilize Akiem Hicks’ Versatility
 

I could see him playing both effectively depending on down and distance.

Re: New Orleans Saints Will Utilize Akiem Hicks’ Versatility
 

JMO but i think getting Hicks (and maybe Corey White) may be the only good thing Spags did for us

Re: New Orleans Saints Will Utilize Akiem Hicks’ Versatility
 

I doubt he had anything to do with either of those picks.

Re: New Orleans Saints Will Utilize Akiem Hicks’ Versatility
 

Normally I agree w most of what you have to say, but saying that a new DC wouldn't have anything to do with his first defensive draft picks...yeah, smh on that one sir

or did I miss the "/sarcasm?"

Re: New Orleans Saints Will Utilize Akiem Hicks’ Versatility
 

I think too many people think coordinators have a lot of input into who the GM selects.

You're right, he probably had some input, but I doubt it was much at all.

Re: New Orleans Saints Will Utilize Akiem Hicks’ Versatility
 

I've always thought they had more input on the FA side of things.

Re: New Orleans Saints Will Utilize Akiem Hicks’ Versatility
 

Spags reportedly brought over some scouts from the Rams' organization with him, so maybe that played a part in some of the defensive picks.