Nakobe Dean | Georgia 5’11” 229 lbs. | 12/13/2000 (Age 21)
Nakobe Dean was drafted with the 19th pick of the third round by the Philadelphia Eagles, becoming the seventh off-ball linebacker and 83rd overall player selected in the 2022 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
Nakobe Dean came in and produced as a true freshman at Georgia, earning the team’s Co-Defensive Newcomer of the Year Award (25 tackles, 1.5 for loss, two pass breakups). He led the Bulldogs with 71 tackles (1.5 sacks) in his first season as a full-time starter as a sophomore. Dean played through a torn labrum in his shoulder that season. In 2021, Dean was a first-team Associated Press All-American and All-SEC selection after recording 72 tackles, a team-high 10.5 for loss with six sacks, two interceptions (one returned for a TD), six pass breakups, and two forced fumbles in 15 starts for the national champions.
ATHLETIC TESTING
Because of a shoulder injury, Dean did not participate in any of the athletic tests. He chose not to have surgery following the season, but it has been reported that now he will need surgery and most likely miss his rookie season. This undoubtedly was what caused him to fall in the NFL Draft.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Below-Average
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Great
Nakobe Dean was selected with the 83rd overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
Unfortunately, Dean’s decision to forego surgery on his shoulder really hurt his draft capital. There is no denying that Dean is one of the best players in the NFL Draft this season though, and the Eagles got an absolute steal. While they did recently sign Kyzir White, this is still an excellent landing spot for Dean. Keep in mind, Alex Singleton and T.J. Edwards have both recently put up outstanding IDP production as below-average real-life NFL players in the Philadelphia scheme. Dean has been compared to Bears’ All-Pro Roquan Smith and looks to be the three-down defensive captain of the future for the Philadelphia Eagles. As an IDP Dynasty owner, if you are willing to wait, Dean is an excellent selection if you can get him after the second round of your rookie draft.
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