Cowboys Tap Tommy Akingbesote, DT, Maryland, in Round 7: A High-Upside Gamble?
Table of Contents
With the 247th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected Tommy Akingbesote, a defensive tackle out of the University of Maryland. Akingbesote,a former basketball player turned four-star football recruit,represents a interesting,albeit late-round,gamble for America’s Team. But can this raw talent be molded into an NFL contributor?
Akingbesote’s journey to the gridiron is unconventional. Initially focused on basketball, his athleticism caught the eye of high school coaches who convinced him to try football. The transition proved fruitful, as he quickly became a sought-after recruit, fielding offers from powerhouse programs like Texas A&M and Oklahoma before ultimately choosing Maryland.As former Maryland coach mike Locksley noted,akingbesote was a key part of what he considered the second-best defensive line class of 2021.
The Cowboys’ decision to draft Akingbesote comes on the heels of selecting Jay Toia from UCLA earlier in the draft. While Toia is expected to provide immediate bulk and power, Akingbesote offers a different skillset. He’s not as physically imposing as Toia, but possesses superior athleticism and agility. This combination of size and quickness could make him a valuable asset in pass-rushing situations.
Akingbesote’s basketball background is evident in his footwork and overall coordination. His strength is concentrated in his upper body – arms, chest, and shoulders – which he effectively uses to disrupt offensive linemen.Seeing his videos, you notice his tendency to make “crosses” against offensive linemen to bring their foot to the limit, because it simply works.
This ability to quickly penetrate the line and pressure the quarterback is a valuable commodity in today’s NFL.
However, Akingbesote is far from a finished product.He’s still relatively new to football and needs refinement in his technique and understanding of the game. Some scouts have questioned his consistency and ability to hold his ground against double teams. The Cowboys’ coaching staff will need to unlock his full potential through dedicated coaching and development.
The selection of Akingbesote raises a key question: Can a player with limited football experience truly thrive in the NFL? History offers mixed results. Players like Antonio Gates, who transitioned from basketball to tight end, achieved Hall of Fame status. However, many others have failed to make the leap. the Cowboys are betting that Akingbesote’s raw talent and work ethic will allow him to overcome his inexperience.
one potential area for further inquiry is Akingbesote’s adaptability to different defensive schemes. Will he be best suited as a 3-technique defensive tackle, using his quickness to penetrate the line, or can he develop into a more traditional run-stopping defensive tackle? His success in the NFL may hinge on his ability to adapt and excel in a variety of roles.
Ultimately, the Cowboys’ selection of tommy Akingbesote is a high-risk, high-reward pick. If he can develop his technique and refine his skills, he could become a valuable contributor to the Cowboys’ defense. However, if he fails to adapt to the NFL game, he could become another late-round pick who never lives up to his potential. Only time will tell if this gamble pays off for the Cowboys.
Cowboys Tap Tommy Akingbesote, DT, maryland, in Round 7: A High-Upside Gamble?
With the 247th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the dallas Cowboys selected Tommy akingbesote, a defensive tackle out of the University of Maryland. Akingbesote, a former basketball player turned four-star football recruit, represents an interesting, albeit late-round, gamble for America’s Team. But can this raw talent be molded into an NFL contributor?
Akingbesote’s journey to the gridiron is unconventional. Initially focused on basketball, his athleticism caught the eye of high school coaches who convinced him to try football. The transition proved fruitful,as he quickly became a sought-after recruit,fielding offers from powerhouse programs like Texas A&M and Oklahoma before ultimately choosing Maryland. As former Maryland coach Mike Locksley noted, akingbesote was a key part of what he considered the second-best defensive line class of 2021.
The Cowboys’ decision to draft Akingbesote comes on the heels of selecting Jay Toia from UCLA earlier in the draft.While Toia is expected to provide immediate bulk and power,Akingbesote offers a different skillset. He’s not as physically imposing as Toia,but possesses superior athleticism and agility. This combination of size and quickness could make him a valuable asset in pass-rushing situations.
Akingbesote’s basketball background is evident in his footwork and overall coordination. His strength is concentrated in his upper body – arms,chest,and shoulders – which he effectively uses to disrupt offensive linemen. “Seeing his videos, you notice his tendency to make “crosses” against offensive linemen to bring thier foot to the limit as it simply works,” a scout, who wished to remain anonymous, told reporters. This ability to quickly penetrate the line and pressure the quarterback is a valuable commodity in today’s NFL.
However, Akingbesote is far from a finished product. He’s still relatively new to football and needs refinement in his technique and understanding of the game. Some scouts have questioned his consistency and ability to hold his ground against double teams. The Cowboys’ coaching staff will need to unlock his full potential through dedicated coaching and development.
The selection of akingbesote raises a key question: Can a player with limited football experience truly thrive in the NFL? History offers mixed results. Players like Antonio Gates, who transitioned from basketball to tight end, achieved Hall of Fame status. though, many others have failed to make the leap. The Cowboys are betting that Akingbesote’s raw talent and work ethic will allow him to overcome his inexperience.
One potential area for further inquiry is Akingbesote’s adaptability to different defensive schemes. Will he be best suited as a 3-technique defensive tackle, using his quickness to penetrate the line, or can he develop into a more traditional run-stopping defensive tackle? His success in the NFL may hinge on his ability to adapt and excel in a variety of roles.
ultimately, the Cowboys’ selection of Tommy Akingbesote is a high-risk, high-reward pick. If he can develop his technique and refine his skills, he could become a valuable contributor to the Cowboys’ defense. However, if he fails to adapt to the NFL game, he could become another late-round pick who never lives up to his potential. Only time will tell if this gamble pays off for the Cowboys.
Comparing Akingbesote to Other Late-Round Defensive tackle Projects
To better contextualize the Cowboys’ pick, hear’s a comparison of Tommy Akingbesote to other recent late-round defensive tackle selections and prosperous position transitions:
| Player | School | Draft Round | Key Strength | NFL impact/Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tommy Akingbesote | Maryland | 7th | Athleticism, Pass Rush Potential | TBD – High-Upside/Raw Prospect |
| Antonio Gates | Kent State (Basketball) | Undrafted (TE) | Transitioned from Basketball, Exceptional Hands | Hall of Fame, Elite TE |
| Khalil Davis | Nebraska | 6th | Power, Run-Stopping Ability | Limited NFL success |
| Sam Adams | Texas A&M | 1st | Size, Strength | Long NFL Career, pro Bowl Selection |
Note: This table compares Akingbesote to other players with similar draft profiles, highlighting both successful and unsuccessful outcomes for context.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who is Tommy Akingbesote?
A: Tommy Akingbesote is a defensive tackle drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 7th round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He is a former basketball player from the University of Maryland, known for his athleticism and potential.
Q: What are Akingbesote’s strengths?
A: Akingbesote’s strengths lie in his athleticism, agility, and upper-body strength, which he utilizes to disrupt offensive linemen and potentially pressure the quarterback. His background in basketball also contributes to his footwork and coordination.
Q: what are Akingbesote’s weaknesses?
A: Akingbesote’s weaknesses include his relative inexperience in football, technique that requires refinement, and questions about consistency and ability to hold his ground against double teams.
Q: What is a 3-technique defensive tackle?
A: A 3-technique defensive tackle lines up on the outside shoulder of the offensive guard. They are typically quicker and more focused on penetrating the line of scrimmage to disrupt the play and pressure the quarterback.
Q: How does Akingbesote fit in with the Cowboys’ defensive strategy?
A: Akingbesote could be developed as a pass rushing specialist, and add another element to a defensive line, or a versatile component capable of playing different roles depending on the game situation. His development will depend on the coaching staff’s ability to best utilize his skills.
Q: What are the Cowboys’ expectations for akingbesote in his rookie year?
A: Given his late-round draft position and relative inexperience, the Cowboys will likely prioritize developing Akingbesote’s technique and understanding of the game. He may see limited playing time initially, with the goal of him becoming a contributor later in the season or in future years.
Q: Can a basketball player really succeed in the NFL?
A: Yes, it is possible. Historically, some athletes who transitioned from basketball to football achieved great success, such as Antonio Gates. Though, many athletes have struggled to make the transition. It will totally depend on Akingbesote’s work ethic, ability to adapt, and how quickly he can learn the intricacies of the game.
Q: What is the importance of being drafted in the 7th round?
A: Players drafted in the 7th round are often considered developmental prospects. While they may have significant upside, they frequently enough require more time and coaching to reach their full potential. It is indeed a high-risk, high-reward scenario.
Q: Who are some other notable players who have transitioned from basketball to the NFL?
A: Besides Antonio Gates, other notable players who transitioned from basketball to the NFL include Julius Peppers and Jimmy Graham, showcasing the potential for success with the right combination of athletic ability and dedication.
Q: What is the long-term outlook for Akingbesote with the Cowboys?
A: The long-term outlook for Akingbesote is uncertain. If he can develop and refine his skills, he could become a valuable contributor to the Cowboys’ defense. if he struggles to adapt to the NFL game, he could face challenges in maintaining a spot on the roster. His success will depend on his commitment to learning and growth over time.
