Comparing Akiem Hicks and Chris Doleman Head to Head

Few NFL comparisons generate more debate than Akiem Hicks vs Chris Doleman. The numbers reveal a genuinely competitive matchup — Chris Doleman takes 3 categories while Akiem Hicks claims 1, making this one of the closer head to head comparisons at the DE position. Every statistical category matters in a matchup this tight.

Chris Doleman's Sacks of 150.5 compared to Akiem Hicks's 41.5 represents a 262.7% advantage — dramatically better than their counterpart in this critical category. Akiem Hicks falls 7.8% below the career average of 45 in this category while Chris Doleman exceeds it. It is the single most decisive number in this comparison and the clearest statistical argument for Chris Doleman's edge.

The most competitive category in this matchup is Pass Deflections, where Akiem Hicks posts 14 against Chris Doleman's 21 — a gap of just 50%. Akiem Hicks can point to this as evidence that the overall comparison is closer than the final 3-1 tally suggests. In any debate, Pass Deflections is the statistical ammunition for the Akiem Hicks side.

Defensive impact in the NFL is notoriously difficult to quantify. Sacks and tackles capture individual production, but disruption, coverage grades and run-stopping ability paint the complete picture of defensive excellence.

The verdict favors Chris Doleman — 3 categories to 1 — but Akiem Hicks makes this far from a one-sided debate. Anyone building the case for Akiem Hicks has real statistical ammunition particularly in Pass Deflections where the gap narrows to just 50%. The numbers have spoken, but the argument will continue.