Eagles LB Nakobe Dean: A Breakout Candidate Next Season?
During free agency, the Philadelphia Eagles faced significant losses to their linebacker room. The team experienced the departure of starting linebackers from the previous season as T.J. Edwards opted to sign with the Chicago Bears, while Kyzir White followed coach Jonathan Gannon to the Arizona Cardinals.
But there is anticipation that Nakobe Dean, a 2022 third-round pick who played a minimal role his first season, will step up and fill the void left by White and Edwards. Dean is expected to make a notable impact in the upcoming season. In an article published by CBS Sports on Tuesday morning, Dean was listed as one of their seven players poised to have a breakout performance in 2023.
"Dean recorded just 13 combined tackles and one tackle for loss in 2022, but may be Philly's starting middle linebacker this season," CBS Sports writes. "He's a smaller player, but Dean shined in arguably the best defense in college football history at Georgia. He is a smart player who can both play downhill and hold his own in coverage. Dean could be a three-down playmaking linebacker in 2023. Also, it doesn't hurt that he's working with so many former college teammates either."
Despite Dean's lack of ideal size and not being considered an elite athlete by NFL standards, he is expected to compensate with his instincts and intelligence at the professional level. Similar to his college career, Dean has the potential to become one of the smartest players on the field.
The upcoming season holds enormous significance for Dean, as it could be a launching pad, propelling him toward a prosperous professional career.
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