Nakobe Dean hardly had a redshirt year as rookie, but the 2022 Eagles being loaded on defense limited the number of opportunities he saw.
That should change in 2023.
Dean was considered one of the steals of the draft when the Eagles took him in the third round out of Georgia in 2022. Dean ultimately saw the bulk of his playing time on special teams, playing 75% of special teams snaps for the season to just three percent of defensive snaps.
But with training camp now underway, Dean is in line to be one of Philly’s starting linebackers. He was asked on the 94 WIP Midday Show what he worked on over the offseason to get ready for the jump.
“Absolutely everything, absolutely everything," Dean responded. "From the technique to being a communicator and leader on defense. I feel like a linebacker is supposed to be the heartbeat of the defense, so just coming into that role and trying to earn the respect of all the guys. It’s basically just working to be better in every sense of my game as a person and as a player also.”
The Eagles still have some of their veteran stalwarts, like Brandon Graham, up front to help Dean transition into his role. But hopes are high for the 22-year-old, and it sounds as though he positioned himself well for a solid Year 2.
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