During the 2022 NFL Draft cycle, projections for Nakobe Dean have risen and fallen, but what landing spots are currently viewed as the most likely for the Georgia linebacker? Can Dean push Devin Lloyd as the first linebacker off the board, or is he set to be closer to the back end of the first round? Let’s take a look at Dean’s current draft projections and potential landing spots.
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NFL Draft Projections: Nakobe Dean’s potential landing spots
Having seen his projected value peak in the mid-teens in February, Dean’s current draft projections lie closer to the back end of the first round than they do the middle. On PFN’s Consensus Top 300 Big Board, Dean ranks 23rd, with a range between 17 and 27 for PFN’s four analysts. Those rankings give a good indication of where we can roughly expect Dean to be drafted this year.
When you look at Dean’s scouting report, it is clear why there is a mixed opinion on the LB out of Georgia. His game is extremely well-rounded, but there are concerns over his size and what that will mean at the next level. Those concerns could make it tough for teams in the middle of the first round to make a move on him, even after Dean posted fantastic stats in his third year at Georgia (6 sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss). With that in mind, let’s examine Dean’s potential landing spots in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles made moves to address their linebacker position with the addition of Kyzir White. However, there is still a need there, given the uncertainty over who will start alongside White and T.J. Edwards. Dean would be an intriguing option in that role, and he’d provide a fantastic third option for the Eagles.
Additionally, Edwards is due to be a free agent next offseason. Therefore, even if Dean does not start immediately in 2022, he could play a rotational role before starting next season. With two picks in the first round, the Eagles could spend one of those selections on a linebacker and then focus on their other defensive needs with the other selection.
New England Patriots
The middle of the Patriots’ defense looks set to undergo a shift. Dont’a Hightower has not been brought back in the initial waves of free agency — we could be seeing a change in the guard on defense. New England did at least bring back Ja’Whaun Bentley, but there is still the need to address their options at linebacker.
Dean would be an intriguing middle-of-the-field option for the Patriots. His size limitations — a potential weakness when covering tight ends — would be somewhat limited by New England’s use of the safety position in a hybrid role. Therefore, Dean could slot in next to Bentley and focus on doing what he does best in the middle of the field, using his speed to shadow running backs out of the backfield.
Dallas Cowboys
While the Cowboys brought back Leighton Vander Esch, they still need to add more talent in the middle of the field. Jaylon Smith did not work out as the centerpiece of the defense. Now, the cupboard looks somewhat bare outside of Micah Parsons. However, with Parsons being utilized in a dual role as a linebacker and pass rusher, another option is required to work with Vander Esch, Luke Gifford, and Jabril Cox.
Dean would be a nice addition to this unit. His agility makes him a useful option covering running backs in the passing game, which is a huge flaw in Vander Esch’s game. A combination of Dean, Vander Esch, Parsons, and Cox would make for a wonderful unit for the Cowboys in 2022 and beyond. The biggest question for the Cowboys in the first round is whether the needs at guard, wide receiver, or EDGE are more pressing than adding another LB.
Tennessee Titans
A linebacker to the Tennessee Titans feels like a perfect fit. Given the current NFL Draft projections, it seems unlikely Devin Lloyd will be available, but there is a chance Dean could be. The Titans have David Long Jr. and Zach Cunningham on the roster. However, Dean would provide a long-term replacement for Long if the Titans were to allow him to leave next offseason.
If the Titans draft Dean, they would be reuniting him with his former Georgia teammate Monty Rice. The duo of Dean and Rice would be an intriguing long-term pairing for the Titans — their understanding of each other’s game could make them an instinctive pair. The duo playing alongside the undoubtedly talented Zach Cunningham could be just the reinvigoration the Titans need in the middle of their defense.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers invested in their linebacker position by bringing back the impressive De’Vondre Campbell. However, when you look at the rest of the position, further investment is needed. Krys Barnes, Ty Summers, and Isaiah McDuffie are solid depth options, but they leave something to be desired as starters.
The question is really where adding a second starter alongside Campbell sits in terms of their needs. The Packers have two first-round picks, but they need to at least consider replacing Davante Adams with one of those. Linebacker, cornerback, and pass rusher must also be on the docket. However, if Dean is there with the second of the Packers’ two first-round selections at 28, they should certainly think about selecting him.
