Philadelphia Eagles LB Nakobe Dean had another impressive performance in preseason game number two on Thursday night. He finished the night with five tackles and was very active.
The Eagles selected Dean in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft. He was considered a steal to be drafted that late.
Dean had a stellar collegiate career at Georgia. He was the 2021 Butkus Award winner (given annually to college football’s best linebacker) and helped lead Georgia to the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship.
Dean slid to the third round, due to concerns about his size and a pectoral injury. The Eagles were ecstatic to get a player of Dean’s ability in that round.
Dean spent his entire rookie season as a backup and playing on special teams. He entered last season as a starter for the Eagles.
Injuries derailed Dean most of 2023. He injured his ankle in the first regular season. Dean returned in October, but suffered a season ending Lisfranc injury on November 16.
During this year’s training camp, Dean has been running with the second team. New Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio has been using Devin White and Zack Baun as the staring off ball linebackers.
Dean was said to have been struggling at the beginning of training camp, but has been beginning to impress over the two preseason games and during practice.
I have not been impressed with White and Baun during the two preseason games. Dean has stood out in both games and rookie Jeremiah Trotter Jr. was impressive in the first preseason game.
I think that Dean and Trotter will be the starters in future. Fangio will most likely begin the season with White and Baun starting, but Dean should take over for one then really soon.
Dean is an impressive talent and definitely the best LB on the team. I still believe that future is bright for Nakobe Dean.
Eagles LB Nakobe Dean. Photo courtesy of phillysports.com
