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The New Orleans Saints have been adding many players that should fit in nicely with their 3-4 defense, but what about the players that were already on the roster? One player that is expected to take huge strides in the new defense is defensive tackle Akiem Hicks.

Hicks was the Saints’ third round draft choice last year out of Regina and was somewhat of a steal. Not many people know about Hicks. But if he catches on to the 3-4 next season, many people will start learning who he is. Hicks is 6-foot-5 324 pounds and would be a perfect fit for nose tackle in the Saints’ new defense.

Right now, Brodrick Bunkley is slated to be the starting nose tackle. But if Hicks develops quickly enough, he could take over at nose tackle. However, general manager Mickey Loomis has said that the Saints plan to use Hicks as both nose tackle and defensive end.

Hicks is a very versatile defensive lineman and possesses the size, strength and quickness to play either nose tackle or defensive end. It is obvious that the Saints did their homework in last year’s draft and see Hicks as a big part of their future. Next season, the Saints will utilize Hicks and his versatility and he could end up being the difference maker for the defense.

Last season, Hicks only had 20 tackles and one forced fumble in 14 games. While those numbers aren’t very impressive, you have to remember that Hicks was only a rookie and played more of a reserve role. Next season, Hicks should get a lot more playing time and should improve along the way.

Hicks has plenty of upside and his ceiling seems endless. Much like Jimmy Graham, he could prove to be a third round breakout star. Hicks’ greatest asset is his versatility and that will be put to the test next season, but I would expect Hicks to breakout in his sophomore year, and become a real force on the Saints’ defensive line.

Read more at Akiem Hicks Brings Versatility to New Orleans Saints Defensive Line

SmashMouth

We have more pieces than we realize for this new defense. He is yet another important part of that solution.

nycsaintfan

I'm hopeful as well. He has the perfect size to play nose tackle in the 34. He is still young, with limited experience so lets be somewhat realistic as to what he can do right now. But no question he is someone to look forward to, and how he responds to increased playing time.

lee909

It will be interesting seeing him at NT.He could cause match up nightmares,he will be a very athletic NT who could blow gaping holes in some O-Lines.
It's one of the reasons I lik the saints to drop back and get another athletic DE/DT like Hunt.Hunt/Hicks/Jordan would be so athletic a front three it would open up holes and cause issues for Safeties and LB getting some pressure on the opposing QB

dizzle88

I have a feeling Akiem Hicks and Cameron Jordan are going to be animals on our new defense

lumm0x

I agree that Hicks is a guy who could easily line up NT or DE. I think I like him better as a 3-4 DE though. His size/weight stats mislead from his visual appearance. He isn't as thick as he sounds on paper and I am not sure his height and impressive speed fit him as a NT. On definite passing downs I think he would give C-G fits with a center pocket push, but otherwise I would like to see him on the end.

K Major

+1. I would even add Martez to the 'animal' list for 2013.

Ashley

Well that's what we want, hopefully they can go from dead last to top 15 this year. I'm not jumping to say we will or will not improve, but I do have high hopes for those young men

Seer1

Twenty tackles last year's not a bad number. What'd we have overall, like twenty five or so?

I'm likin' they're going to put him on the end as well. I just feel that'll be a better fit with his quickness instead of using him to eat centers and guards.

Danno

Thats why the Ravens moved Ngata to DE, I think.