Gene Atkins was drafted No. 179 overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 1987 NFL Draft out of Florida A&M. 143 regular-season games · 7 seasons as a starter · 48 career approximate value
- Overall pick
- #179
- Round
- 7
- Draft class
- 1987
- NFL games
- 143
- Years as starter
- 7
- Career AV
- 482nd at Florida A&M
The pick
How Gene Atkins came off the board in 1987.
- Position
- Defensive back DB
- College
-
Florida A&M
SWAC at the draft
- Side of the ball
- Defense
NFL career
143 regular-season games · 7 seasons as a starter · 48 career approximate value
- Games played
- 143
- Seasons as a starter
- 7
- Career approximate value
- 482nd among Florida A&M picks
- AV with the drafting club
- 4083% of career value
- Final season
- 19969 years after the draft
Around pick 179
Who came off the board on either side of Gene Atkins.
Central Michigan
Akron
Fresno State
Wisconsin
Other DB picks from Florida A&M
The program's most accomplished players at the same spot.
About this draft profile
Last updated Aug 24, 2026
Gene Atkins in the 1987 NFL Draft
Gene Atkins is a Defensive back out of Florida A&M selected No. 179 overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 1987 NFL Draft. 143 regular-season games · 7 seasons as a starter · 48 career approximate value Florida A&M has produced 21 NFL draft picks since 1980.
Where this data comes from
Pick order and career outcomes come from the nflverse draft archive; position, measurables, and conference at the time of the draft come from the college feed. Career columns stay empty until a player logs regular-season snaps.
Frequently asked questions
Where was Gene Atkins drafted?
Gene Atkins was selected No. 179 overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 1987 NFL Draft (Rd 7). Full pick detail at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/1987/gene-atkins.
What college did Gene Atkins play for?
Gene Atkins played college football at Florida A&M in the SWAC. See every Florida A&M draft pick at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/schools/florida-a-m-rattlers.
How did Gene Atkins's NFL career turn out?
143 regular-season games · 7 seasons as a starter · 48 career approximate value Career outcome data at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/1987/gene-atkins.