Georgia linebacker Nakobe Dean’s fall stopped in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft after being selected by the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Philadelphia Eagles were probably the biggest stars of opening night of the 2022 NFL Draft. They moved up to select Georgia stud defensive tackle Jordan Davis and acquired star wide receiver A.J. Brown in a trade with the Tennessee Titans. How could they possibly top themselves on the second night?
With the 83rd pick, the Eagles selected one of the top linebacker prospects in the class — Nakobe Dean of the Georgia Bulldogs.
If the selection pans out, the Eagles may have gotten the steal of the entire draft.
There were questions as to why Dean was falling so far down, considering he was a part of the vaunted Bulldogs defense that won the CFP National Championship this past season.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport detailed why Dean slipped, citing a torn labrum in 2020, knee tendonitis, a variety of soft tissue injuries and that he suffered a pectoral strain this offseason, the latter of which Dean declined to get surgery on.
Dean is one of the most accomplished linebacker prospects in this year’s draft. He has the Butkus Award for best linebacker in college to prove it.
In 15 games with the Bulldogs this past season, Dean 72 combined tackles (10.5 for loss), 6.5 sacks, five defended passes, two forced fumbles and two interceptions.
The Eagles obviously loved the potential of Dean when fully healthy. If Dean is able to continue to play at the same level in Philadelphia as he did in Georgia, there are going to be tons of teams that are going to regret passing on selecting him.
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