July 28, 2008 Akin Ayodele is expected to start on the inside at linebacker in the Dolphins' 3-4 defense, according to the Palm Beach Post.
Our View:Channing Crowder is the other projected starter on the inside, with Reggie Torbor serving as the top backup. Ayodele will have a chance to rack up solid tackling totals if he holds up as a starter on the inside over the full 16-game slate, and is worthy of a late-round pick in IDP league drafts.
May 26, 2008 Newly acquired linebacker Akin Ayodele could start at either spot on the inside, according to the Palm Beach Post. Coach Tony Sparano said, " Akin, as far as outside or inside, if you were a 4-3 team I think Akin can play an outside linebacker or an inside linebacker. In the 3-4, Akin would probably be inside, whether it's weak or strong he's played in a few different positions. He's played both in Dallas. He's played the MIKE end, what we call the MOE; either position. It's good flexibility"
Our View:Ayodele only made 57 tackles (36 solo) in 2007 with Dallas, but that number could go up if he nails down a starting gig at either of the inside spots. He could be worth a look in the closing rounds of larger IDP leagues.
April 26, 2008 Akin Ayodele has been dealt to the Dolphins in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick, according to FOX Sports. Tight end Anthony Fasano was also packaged in the deal to Miami.
Our View:The recent addition of Zach Thomas to Dallas made Ayodele expendable. Ayodele made 141 tackles over two seasons in Dallas. His fantasy value remains low.
April 4, 2008 Since the Dallas Cowboys signed linebacker Zach Thomas in February, Akin Ayodele's future has been in doubt, according to the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram. Owner Jerry Jones said he has not talked to Ayodele, but will soon. "Anybody we have in our preseason program and who we played with last year and who we've got back and who is on our roster right now, certainly they have a good chance to be involved [next season]," Jones said. "But that doesn't in any way imply that we won't be working our roster and doing some things different on the roster, which gives rise to, 'Well, can you say for sure that Akin is going to be your starter next year,' and I can't." Ayodele is entering the third year of a five-year, $17.5 million contract he signed as a free agent after leaving Jacksonville. Ayodele, who has started 30 of 32 regular-season games in his two seasons with Dallas, has compiled 141 tackles, one sack and two interceptions during the past two campaigns.
July 17, 2007 Akin Ayodele has been medically cleared for training camp, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. He underwent minor right knee surgery in late May.
