2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Akeem Dent, S, Florida State

Player Data

Name, Jersey #	Akeem Dent,  #1 was #27
School (Code)	Florida State University (FLST)
DOB, Class Yr	1/26/2000, 5th Yr. Sr.
Height, Weight	5116, 191 lbs.
40 Yd Dash	4.48e
Arm, Hand	3058, 0878
Position/Depth	FS / #1
Honors/Captainship	ACC Defensive Back of the Week (2021 .vs. Boston College)
Season Viewed (yr)	2022, 2023
Games Watched	LAST (2023), NCST (2022), FLMI (2022)
Scout Name / Date	Matthew Swanson, 10/20/2023

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

2023	TBD – Missed a few games due to a left leg injury in week 2
2022	13 GP, 12 GS, 53 TKLS (29 SOLO/24 ASST), 0.5 TFL, 4 PD
2021	10 GP, 8 GS, 44 TKLS (24 SOLO/20 ASST), 0.5 TFL, 0.5 SCK, 1 INT, 4 PD
2020	7 GP, 5 GS, 12 TKLS (7 SOLO/5 ASST)
2019	13 GP, 5 GS, 34 TKLS (20 SOLO/14 ASST), 1.5 TFL, 7 PD

Player Summary:

5th Yr. Sr. plays FS for FLST in their 4-2-5 defense and contributes as an EDGE defender in goal line packages. Projects as a FS in NFL. Lanky, lean FS with solid height, weight is marginal on frame that can handle added weight if desired. AA is good, plays with solid play speed, above-average downhill acceleration, average lateral agility, and ordinary footspeed. As a pass defender he is decent. Gains and retains marginally excessive depth when covering zone on the back end as a deep center fielder. Does a quality job keeping things in front of him as a result. Has more than enough speed and size to stick with and mirror average size/speed TEs and WRs on vertical stems. Ability to drive and break on the ball is average due to excessive, average stick and drive urgency, excessive initial depth in coverage, and good closing speed. Breaks up passes well with solid ball skills at catch point. Shows good effort and willingness to play the run playside with sufficient aggression. Diagnoses runs well showing good FBI and eye discipline. Solid play speed and good straight line acceleration and burst leads to quality ability to close on average size/speed RBs around LOS. Tackles RBs or zone read QBs well with acceptable form, coming down hill and delivering sufficient blow. Athletic traits are there to be an impact contributor on the defensive side of the ball and immediately on special teams, but marginally consistent effort and excessive initial depth taken in coverage impedes his ability to be a good/consistent playmaker on the defensive side of the ball.

Scheme Fit:

FS in any scheme. Can play special teams.

Power Statement:

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.