The Eagles selected Georgia linebacker Nakobe Dean with the 83rd pick on Friday night in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Dean dropping to the third round was extremely surprising, considering he was arguably the best player on the Georgia defense last season.
There were multiple reports that Dean dropped because of a shoulder injury that could cost him a portion of his rookie season. Speaking on Friday night, however, Howie Roseman said the team expects Nakobe Dean to be on the field this week for OTAs. Roseman also said no surgery was scheduled or needed.
Concerns about his height and speed might be valid, as well as health concerns, but if the Eagles are going to take a chance on a linebacker, taking a chance on one who excelled at the highest level of football is a smart idea.
Dean could be the leader of the Eagles linebacker group and the quarterback of the defense. Add Dean to Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis and the Eagles have two players who could be the backbone of their defense for years to come.
Scouting report from NFL.com:
Explosive, three-down linebacker with the demeanor and quickness to become a volume tackler while holding down third-down duties at a high level. Dean's play recognition is a work in progress, which limits reaction time and forces him to deal with more blockers than he'll see as he gains more experience. Quick feet and plus agility will bring him to ball-carriers at a high rate but a lack of size and length means he'll need to fine-tune his approach as a tackler to make sure he finishes what he starts. He might lack measurables, but he has the toughness and technique to see a boost in his performance once his play becomes more proactive.
Scouting report from Sports Info Solutions:
Dean projects best as a starting Will linebacker in a 4-3 defense. Although he mixed in at Mike at Georgia, his lack of size and length will hinder him up against NFL offensive linemen. With that said, he has the range and cover skills to play on all 3 downs. On 3rd downs, his ability to cover backs or tight ends allow him to stay on the field and move around where needed based on the offensive formation. His mentality and physical traits make him a core contributor on most special teams units.