Nakobe Dean Injured; Should Eagles Sign Myles Jack?
Those in attendance for the Philadelphia Eagles practice on Thursday may have seen the injury scare to second-round inside linebacker Nakobe Dean.
The former third-round pick and University of Georgia star was spotted entering the Eagles' medical tent at one point during the practice before being held out due to a "precautionary measure."
While sources have told SI.com's Eagles Today that Dean is "fine" following the injury, in his absence on Thursday, it was not hard for those in attendance to notice how bare of depth the Eagles are at inside backer. As our own John McMullen, who was in attendance, wrote:
"Without the 2021 Butkus Award winner, Philadelphia’s starting linebackers were Christian Ellis and Nick Morrow with Shaun Bradley, Davion Taylor, and rookie undrafted free agent Ben VanSumeren mixing in from there," Eagles Today reported.
With depth being a potential concern for the Eagles at the second level of their defense, it could make sense for general manager Howie Roseman to dip back into the free-agent market and quell any remaining anxiety.
One of the players available has already been linked with a move to Philadelphia this offseason, as 2016 second-round pick and former Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack remains unsigned after spending last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Jack, 27, was the leading tackler for the Steelers last season, totaling 104 tackles, three for a loss, one quarterback hit, and three forced fumbles while playing in 15 games. So what's been the issue for the formerly high-touted off-ball backer? As his Pro Football Focus profile would suggest, he may fill up the stat sheet but hasn't graded out well.
Jack received a 53.6 overall grade from the advanced analytics site, with a 52.1 in run defense and 55.8 in coverage. While it wasn't the worst season of his seven-year career, according to PFF's grades, it may keep the Eagles away from him.
As for who first floated this idea of Jack to Philly, ESPN made a prediction for what the Eagles would do following the draft.
"If Jack wants to continue playing, though, the Eagles would be an ideal landing spot in terms of national attention," Barnwell wrote. "Philly's deep defensive line should also help keep blockers off of Jack, giving him the best possible chance to make plays."
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Philadelphia Eagles? Click Here.
Want even more Philadelphia Eagles news? Check out the SI.com team page here
