Continuing to work on the offensive and defensive front, the have Atlanta Falcons selected defensive tackle Ra'Shede Hageman out of Minnesota with their second-round pick (37th overall). It is clearly that the Falcons are adding depth (with this pick) to there injury-prone defense, which saw defensive end Kroy Biermann, linebackers Sean Weatherspoon, Akeem Dent, and Stephen Nicholas along with others go down with injuries last season. The 2013 First-team All-Big Ten selection was described by NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock as 'a first-round
talent drafted in the second-round.'
Hageman is the kind of guy, regardless of team, that you can't help but root for. He has a life story similar to that of Michael Oher, which was featured in the movie The Blind Side. His father died when Hageman was at a young age. His mother was in and out of prison while dealing with drug and alcohol addiction. He along with his brother, Xaviar Hageman, were found in a closet inside of a crack house. And after spending time at several foster homes, he and his brother were adopted by lawyers Eric Hageman and Jill Coyle in 1998. He is also very honest about his 'flaws' and his work ethic issues and opening up about them in his draft day interview several minutes after being selected by the Falcons.
"It takes a man to know his flaws," said Hageman. "I've known since Day One, playing D-tackle, my pad level sucks. My hip mobility, my ankle mobility...sometimes I take plays off," he said. "But those aren't permanent things. I can change. I can learn and educate myself. If you master your craft, all that, you can take care of that...I know the potential I have, and I see that. And that's why it's so fun to learn the game because it's something you love to do. Scouts? That's their job."
Hageman's senior year awards and accolades:
Throughout his career in as a Minnesota Gopher, Hageman posted 10 sacks, 24 tackles for loss, 91 total tackles (57 solo and 34 assisted), one interception (returned for seven yards), 10 pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. His best season was his senior year where he tallied two sacks, 13 tackles for loss, 38 total tackles (26 solo and 12 assisted), one interception (returned for seven yards), and eight pass deflections. Along with those statistics, Hageman is 6'6" and over 300 pounds, so it is clear that the Falcons are trying to get bigger and 'tougher' on the offensive and defensive lines.
talent drafted in the second-round.'
Hageman is the kind of guy, regardless of team, that you can't help but root for. He has a life story similar to that of Michael Oher, which was featured in the movie The Blind Side. His father died when Hageman was at a young age. His mother was in and out of prison while dealing with drug and alcohol addiction. He along with his brother, Xaviar Hageman, were found in a closet inside of a crack house. And after spending time at several foster homes, he and his brother were adopted by lawyers Eric Hageman and Jill Coyle in 1998. He is also very honest about his 'flaws' and his work ethic issues and opening up about them in his draft day interview several minutes after being selected by the Falcons.
"It takes a man to know his flaws," said Hageman. "I've known since Day One, playing D-tackle, my pad level sucks. My hip mobility, my ankle mobility...sometimes I take plays off," he said. "But those aren't permanent things. I can change. I can learn and educate myself. If you master your craft, all that, you can take care of that...I know the potential I have, and I see that. And that's why it's so fun to learn the game because it's something you love to do. Scouts? That's their job."
Hageman's senior year awards and accolades:
- First-team All-Big Ten
- Third-team All-American by Athlon Sports
- Bronko Nagurski Award
- Carl Eller Award
Throughout his career in as a Minnesota Gopher, Hageman posted 10 sacks, 24 tackles for loss, 91 total tackles (57 solo and 34 assisted), one interception (returned for seven yards), 10 pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. His best season was his senior year where he tallied two sacks, 13 tackles for loss, 38 total tackles (26 solo and 12 assisted), one interception (returned for seven yards), and eight pass deflections. Along with those statistics, Hageman is 6'6" and over 300 pounds, so it is clear that the Falcons are trying to get bigger and 'tougher' on the offensive and defensive lines.