Nakobe Dean – Linebacker – 21 years old – Junior – Georgia
Cut : 1m82
Weight : 102kg
Estimated draft position: 1st round
Stats 2021: 15 games, 82.5 tackles including 10.5 for losses, 6 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 5 passes defended, 2 interceptions, 1 touchdown
NFL Comparison: Roquan Smith (Bears)
Strong points
– Athletic ability
– Tackle
– Run defense
– Football IQ
– Pursuit
Nakobe Dean was praised for his athletic ability and instincts coming out of Horn Lake High School. Some of these traits have carried over to the college level and form a solid foundation to work on as he embarks on his NFL career. His favorite field remains defense against the run. Thanks to his explosiveness, he manages to make his way to the ball to achieve the game it takes to annihilate the progression. That same speed allows him to be impressive in chases, with solid angles of attack when thrown behind his target.
Dean also has a remarkable gift for identifying stocks. He senses option plays and hunts the ball carrier, as he can spy on mobile quarterbacks and adjust accordingly. He has also shown that he can be a threat on the pass rush, using his speed and strong hands to spread his opponent and make a successful tackle.
His very presence increases the intensity of an entire defense because he gives the impression of covering a lot of ground. Including aerial coverage. His athletic abilities are especially beneficial to him on man-to-man patterns. This allows him to stay in contact and minimize winnings after reception.
Weak points
– Template
– Air reading
At 1.82m and 102 kilos, Dean is not the tallest or heaviest linebacker in the class. And he doesn’t seem to have the room to add much more muscle mass. Which could be a problem at the higher level. He often struggled to make an impact on the game when his blitz came from within. Faced with solid offensive linemen, he lacks a bit of “meat” to get rid of blocks.
Same story on the cover. He can resist running backs out of the backfield, but will have a harder time containing bigger tight ends or taller receivers in the slot. Reading level, adjustments are to be expected. For example, he may be attracted to fake games. And despite an above-average speed of adaptation, he does not have the ability to change direction so quickly to recover from a bad appreciation.
The stat
23 pressures exercised in 2021
Rewarded by the Butkus Award in 2021 (best university linebacker in the country), Nakobe Dean is a formidable tackler who rarely misses his target. But he also knows how to sneak in to put the quarterback down or push him out of his pocket. In addition to his 6 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss, Pro Football Focus credits him with 23 pressures in 2021.
Possible destinations
Tennessee Titans, Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys
Nakobe Dean is a potential first-round selection despite his lack of height, which will be a problem for some teams. His speed of execution, his ability to hunt the opposing ball carrier and to deliver physical tackles will however be very appreciated at the professional level.
Linebacker who can play on 3 attempts, he will maximize his skills if he plays on the “weak” side in a 4-3 pattern at first. Time to acclimatize to the professional world, before why not evolve into a Mike position. A formidable blitzer, he can also play effectively in individual coverage, even in zone, even if improvements are expected in terms of reading. A few limitations that he can overcome through his work ethic, athletic abilities, and energy expended on every action.
With 3 picks in the first round and a defense that has needs on all 3 levels, Philadelphia could jump at the chance by using one of its cartridges to bring some help to its linebacker corps. The Ravens are a franchise historically dominated by defense and Dean would bring a breath of fresh air and dynamism to this squad which is looking for a leader since the retirement of Ray Lewis. In Dallas, Leighton Vander Esch is a free agent, so the Cowboys need to find a replacement for him. On paper, in any case, the Micah Parsons-Nakobe Dean association has something to make your mouth water. On the side of the Titans, the situation is a little different. Established veterans are already in place, but this would allow the linebacker to gradually adapt to the NFL pace while waiting for his turn.
