Pros and cons of Eagles drafting Nakobe Dean

Georgia football’s All-america linebacker Nakobe Dean has been successful at every level. Dean won the Butkus Award — given to the nation’s top linebacker — in high school and college.

He also won a state championship at Horn Lake in Mississippi and helped lead the Bulldogs to their first national title since 1980.

The Philadelphia Eagles will give Dean the opportunity to continue that success after selecting him 83rd overall in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft on Friday.

Former Horn Lake coach Brad Boyette saw Dean’s “detailed” work ethic and competitiveness as a freshman. Now, Boyette expects Dean to be a difference maker in the NFL.

“I expect in his rookie year for him to make an impact with veteran players because of the way he goes about his day and takes care of business,” Boyette said.

Here’s what Dean will bring to the NFL.

The positives

Dean — at 5-foot-11 and 229 pounds — has the athleticism to play sidelineto-sideline and drop into coverage. The junior had 72 tackles, six sacks and two interceptions along with six passes defended last season.

However, Dean having the knack of being in the right place to make a play starts well before the game, according to Boyette.

“He has the instincts and he does the diligence of film study and picks up on every clue,” Boyette said. “He’s almost a step ahead of everybody at the snap of the ball because of clues and (knowing) where the ball is going.

“He did that in high school and continued that at Georgia.”

Boyette believes that Dean’s work ethic is “contagious” and his selfless nature will bring a noticeable difference in the locker room.

The concerns

Smaller linebackers have become more valuable in the NFL, especially ones who are above average in pass coverage. However, Dean’s size was a question heading into the draft. Dean’s stature didn’t affect him with the Bulldogs but Dean will be on the smaller end of inside linebackers in the NFL.

It isn’t a concern for Boyette, that’s why Dean’s preparation habits are so important.

“The great ones are able to process everything in a short amount of time and when you do that you are a step ahead of your opponent,” Boyette said. “That levels the playing field for a guy that may not be as big as a 6-foot-3, 250

pound linebacker.

“You look at all of the indicators that are important for a linebacker and he's got all of those. The biggest thing is his competitiveness. Nakobe does not pride himself on being a T-shirt All-american. He does prepare and it is important to him but he's preparing to play the game.”

Dean's explosiveness and acceleration will also aid his transition to the NFL.

Final thoughts

Dean — a former five-star recruit — has the pedigree and track record of being a top linebacker at each level. He was a key piece of a Georgia defense that was considered the best in the nation. Dean's speed, athleticism and tackling ability should culminate in a productive NFL career.