One of the prospects who fell much farther down the board than expected in last month’s draft has signed his rookie contract. The Eagles announced on Monday that they have inked third round linebacker Nakobe Dean to his first NFL deal. 
[RELATED: Eagles Select Dean At No. 83]
Dean enjoyed a highly productive three-year career at Georgia. His sophomore campaign saw him make 71 tackles, as he grew into an integral role on the team’s defense. That was followed up by an improved performance in 2021; he posted 72 tackles, including 10.5 for a loss. He also added six sacks and a pair of interceptions.
Seen by many as the engine driving the Bulldogs’ lights-out defense, Dean was one of many members of the unit to receive notable accolades. He won the Dick Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker, in addition to being named a consensus First-Team All-American in 2021. That had him pegged as no worse than the second-best inside ‘backer in the class, and led to him being widely projected as a first round pick.
However, teams were hesitant to draft Dean for two main reasons. The first was related to health concerns; many believed that pectoral surgery would cost him his rookie season, though there are early indications that may not be the case. The second had to do with his measurables – a five-foot-eleven, 220-pound frame coupled with an underwhelming 40-yard dash time led to concerns about his potential at the NFL level.
While Dean therefore had to wait much longer the rest of his college teammates to hear his name called, the Eagles were able to acquire a potential steal in the third round. He will have the chance to continue playing behind defensive tackle Jordan Davis, whom Philadelphia selected with their top pick, while playing a role in a re-vamped Eagles LB room.
Dean will be a stud. Classic case of NFL teams placing too much emphasis on measurables.
Guy is highly intelligent, loves football and great instincts. Went against NFL caliber oline every week. No doubt he’ll be good especially with bigs like Davis and Cox eating up blocks.
I don’t scout players, but read tons of sports sites. Every where I read is what you said; student of the game, leadership qualities galore, great range, cool dude in general.
As for the injury, that’s bogus excuse. Bama’s WR’s both with torn ACL’s went 1st and 2nd round. And the UM DE also with a bad knee went in the second.
I think it’s the combination of size, multiple injuries, and not going through all the athletic testing, but I’m with you. Before I knew about the injuries, when the Jets traded up for Hall, I hoped it was for Dean. We see so many athletic linebackers struggle early in their careers because they don’t actually read the field all that well. I doubt Dean will struggle with that, and I think he’s plenty fast if healthy. He sure looked fast enough in the SEC.
I think (hope being an eagles fan) this is going to be a textbook case of people relying on measurable numbers way to much. Watching GA games and tape he was one of if not the most stand out guy on a defense filled with 1st round talent. Every single play it felt like he was involved. If it was a smallschool that’d be one thing, but it’s GA. Like I said the defense is filled with 1st rounders. Dean should be a steal.