Atlanta Falcons Akeem Dent medically cleared

Atlanta Falcons middle linebacker Akeem Dent has been cleared for contact after suffering a concussion about ten days ago. A recent starter, the 24-year-old Georgia product will be able to practice and will play on Friday against the Miami Dolphins.

A Georgia Bulldogs product, Akeem Dent is a good run-stopping linebacker, but he has big-time struggles in coverage. The Falcons will likely utilize just two linebackers in the nickel, allowing Dent to come off the field in passing situations to avoid him being exposed.

Statistically speaking, Dent is a guy who can pile up tackles in the two-downs he plays due to his high amount of potential. He has a lot of shoes to fill, as previous starter Curtis Lofton is one of the best inside linebackers in the league and can dominate against the run. Lofton wasn’t much of a coverage player either, but, and this goes for Dent as well, the good in run defense far outweighs whatever he gives up in pass coverage. Lofton is still in the NFC South, signing with the New Orleans Saints this offseason as an immense upgrade to their group of linebackers.

Dent has quite a bit of potential, and it’s good to see that the young, talented MLB is back to practicing and playing football after a concussion. He is no Lofton, but he’s a quality linebacker in his own right. He will likely start practicing immediately, and this is all great news for Falcons fans.

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