Number19
Hall of Fame
Was Akins a reach at 3/98? Most think so. McCain gives the selection a D+.
But it is obvious, now, that O’Brien wanted a “receiver” TE more so than a “blocking” TE.
Following the Akins pick, there was a run on TEs in the fourth round, with 5 taken, and 3 more in the fifth. These were, in order:
Ian Thomas
Chris Herndon
Will Dissly
Durham Smythe
Dalton Schultz
Troy Fumagalli
Tyler Conkin
Jaylen Samuels
Do any of these grade higher as a receiver than Akins? OB and coaching staff had a week at the Senior Bowl to evaluate him; and wanted him over the eight taken following his selection. TE was a priority and from the TEs available, Akins was the one we wanted and no one can say he would have been available in the 6th. Although it seemed so at the time, this pick was not a reach.
But it is obvious, now, that O’Brien wanted a “receiver” TE more so than a “blocking” TE.
Following the Akins pick, there was a run on TEs in the fourth round, with 5 taken, and 3 more in the fifth. These were, in order:
Ian Thomas
Chris Herndon
Will Dissly
Durham Smythe
Dalton Schultz
Troy Fumagalli
Tyler Conkin
Jaylen Samuels
Do any of these grade higher as a receiver than Akins? OB and coaching staff had a week at the Senior Bowl to evaluate him; and wanted him over the eight taken following his selection. TE was a priority and from the TEs available, Akins was the one we wanted and no one can say he would have been available in the 6th. Although it seemed so at the time, this pick was not a reach.