Cincinnati Bengals Reportedly Sign LSU Defensive End Rahim Alem

Looks like Zim is definately sending you a message!!!!

10/27/09 NFL DRAFT SCOUT FALLER: Rahim Alem, DE, LSU: After being named second-team all-conference as a junior pass rush specialist (11.5 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks in ‘08), it was hoped Alem would take the next step to become an all-around playmaker on the outside. So far, that has not happened; he’s averaging just more than three tackles per game and has sacked the opponent’s quarterback twice. Alem is certainly athletic enough to garner mid-round consideration, but he has not shown NFL teams that he can be relentless pass rush force or that he can handle the run-stopping ability to be an every-down defender — and thus a top 75 pick most expected he would become entering into the season. – Chad Reuter, The SportsXchange, NFLDraftScout.com

Pass rush: Flashes an explosive burst off the snap to push the tackle’s outside shoulder. Can redirect and shows impressive acceleration to close on the quarterback. Good use of hands and overall pass-rush technique. Strong rip move to get under and through the tackle. Has to improve in protecting his legs against cut blocks by running backs.

Run defense: Lacks the size and strength to hold up at the point of attack. Maintains leverage and has the strength and toughness to maintain his position, but struggles to disengage and make plays in the hole. When he does break free, it is typically due to his recognition of the play and an explosive initial punch. Good agility and acceleration to close laterally for the dive and draw. Cerebral defender who understands his containment responsibilities.

Explosion: Fires off the snap with good explosiveness upfield. Good first few steps to accelerate. Can stun bigger tackles with his initial pop to disengage from blocks. Flashes some explosiveness as a hitter.

Strength: Good use of leverage and leg drive to maintain his position in the running game and can push the bigger tackle into the pocket with his bull rush. Relies on his explosive initial pop to disengage from the tackle in the running game, as he has only marginal power overall.

Tackling: Good strength and lateral agility to slide off blocks and catch backs on the move. Shows some change-of-direction agility and balance in breaking down against smaller, quicker athletes. Good strength for the drag-down tackle. Good wrap-up tackler who consistently latches on the ballcarrier’s lower body in space. Willing to sell out and dive for the grasping tackle. Quick, accurate hands to trip up the ballcarrier.

Intangibles: Changed his name in 2006 from Alfred Marvin Jones, Jr. to celebrate his African culture. His full name (Rahim Akil Alem), which is part Swahili, part Arabic, literally translates as “kind and compassionate, intelligent leader.” Father, Al Jones is the principal of Desire Street Ministry, a school founded by former Heisman Trophy Winner Danny Wuerffel. Brother, Chad Jones, entered the 2010 draft as a junior after starting for LSU at safety.

School: LSU
Position: DE
Class: 2010 Big Board
Year: Senior
Hometown: New Orleans, LA
Date of Birth: 02.25.87
Height: 6024
Weight: 251
Bench Press: 18
Vertical Jump: 32.5"
40 T: 4.75
Projection: 3rd Round

wonder if he can play SAM too which is a team need in my opinion. i like Rey Rey but he’s a natural MIKE and has trouble shedding blocks. more:

Shrine Game: Alem was very active throughout the contest. He not only showed tremendous effort in chasing plays to the backside, but also ran around tackles in the pass rush, along with using his instincts to bat down a Matt Nichols’ pass. His performance was a far cry from his forgettable showing in the Capital Bowl versus Penn State.

Alem stuffed Andre Anderson on a run, but the back basically ran right into him. Alem was getting penetration at the goalline, but in the pit he failed to have the same success.

Though he doesn’t appear to have the lateral moves for a switch to outside linebacker, Alem provided consistent pressure in the backfield.