You also heard that everyone in the Dominican Republic comes from Africa, so take it with a big ol' grain of salt. He had surgery on his shoulder in December. He's rehabbing well.
Nobody here knows a lot about him. He's played for a team that has gone 6-42 the past three seasons. Even those of us with Sunday Ticket have not been looking at too many Rams games. From what I have seen, he is a decent centerfielder type of safety. He has good ball skills and is a decent tackler. He should be an upgrade over Rhodes, but I am not getting too excited about him. I think Atogwe is a middle of the pack starter. But again, how many times have I really watched the guy play? Not often.
In 2007, Atogwe had 8 INTs...he avg'd around 80 tackles over the last 3 seasons....is only 28 years old (turns 29 in Jun)....and was the Rams' franchise player last year. He'd be a suitable replacement for Rhodes, IMO.
I know he had 8 picks one year. I have seen him play enough to know he has good ball skills. He's decent. He's a nice player. I don't think he's special. Also, I did submit that he's likely an upgrade over Rhodes. Do I think he'd play as well as Rhodes did in 2006? No. He should be better than the 2009 version, though.
He is also the polar opposite of Rhodes in terms of play making. While Rhodes doesn't cause any turnovers, Atogwe AVERAGE turnovers forced is over 10 per season including INTs, FFs, and FR. Ed Reed and him are there own league when it comes to forcing turnovers. He is the playmaker that Ryan envisioned Rhodes becoming instead of a prancing pony.
well...considering that Atogwe shined on a defense that was awful....I'm thinking Rex could turn him into a "special player" in his schemes......just my opinion.
im glad to see this thread.. ive totally been dreaming about atogwe and i do agree that the Jets would not be so quick to pull the trigger if they did not have something in their clear sight, other than an unproven draft pick
remember Tanny said the other day that he expected Rhodes to be a Jet unless things changed.. a 4th and 7th obviously isnt enough to change their mind so regardless of who it is, i do get the impression someone will be putting on the Jets uni pretty soon... lets just hope its atogwe! and someone mentioned sharper, from what ive heard the saints are letting him talk but all indications are he'll return to NO.. i mean why not, he had a great year and has a ring to show for it
There is only tangential relevance here but the Rams bringing in another FS for a visit could mean that they are preparing to part with Atogwe. Pools' four concussions in five seasons in the NFL is not a good sign for his playing days making this a highly risky move for the Rams. That is, of course, if they choose to sign him.
tanny could be lookiing hard at a safety in the draft, but he can't garuantee the kid will still be there when we select. so does he grab whoever he can now, or roll the dice on the draft?
I don't know Turk, but Rams are dead serious to keep Atogwe. The ONLY reason he didn't get a higher tender was because any other tender would have given Atogwe about $7 mil while the lowest tender gave him about $1.4 mil. If a team gives him a contract, Rams will match it. They did this to avoid $7 mil, but maybe come up with like a $5 mil a yr contract. This will establish Atogwe's value. Rams were either going to place the highest possible tender, or the lowest tender. Read here: http://www.rotoworld.com/Content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=NFl&id=3283
Why the F*CK are we always interested in players who had great years in 2007? lol Braylon, Cro, Atogwe...
Personally, I'd like the NYJ to address FS before the draft and stay away from Taylor Mays. Just my opinion and I'm sure others more informed could disagree.
