Eagles LB Nakobe Dean Must Seize the Opportunity To Start in Week 1

When the Philadelphia Eagles selected linebacker Nakobe Dean with the No. 83 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, many believed it was a steal at the time. Yet Dean has failed to live up to the lofty expectations as Philadelphia’s linebacker of the future during his first two seasons.

Dean showcased his potential in preseason action after appearing to lose his spot as a starting linebacker to Devin White and Zack Baun early in training camp. According to multiple reports, Dean was Philadelphia’s best linebacker during the final weeks of training camp.

Now that White has been ruled out for Week 1 due to an ankle injury, Dean has the chance to reclaim his spot atop the linebacker depth chart. Following an inconsistent start to his NFL career, Dean must seize the opportunity to start in 2024.

Eagles LB Nakobe Dean Could Thrive in Vic Fangio’s Defense

Philadelphia’s defense was an absolute mess last season, as the team shuffled defensive coordinators and lacked direction. This is exactly why the Eagles hired veteran play-caller Vic Fangio to revamp the team’s defense in 2024.

Fangio is a no-nonsense, old-school coach who doesn’t hold any punches back. Dean learned that quickly as Fangio publicly stated the third-year linebacker took a step back during the team’s public practice at Lincoln Financial Field in August.

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While Fangio’s motive behind the public comments is unknown, it’s clear that it lit a fire under Dean. The 23-year-old linebacker thrived in Fangio’s scheme during the final weeks of training camp.

Dean isn’t bothered by Fangio’s old-school style, in fact, he actually praised Philadelphia’s defensive coordinator in July.

“He’s old school. I feel like everybody loves him,” Dean said. “Everybody loves his straightforward attitude, how he just tells you straight up if he liked that or he didn’t like it. There’s not too much gray area with him if you ask him a question.”

While Dean certainly appreciates Fangio’s attitude, he likely enjoys playing in his defensive scheme even more. Fangio isn’t afraid to use his inside linebackers as pass rushers, somewhere Dean thrived during his time at Georgia.

In three seasons as a member of the Georgia Bulldogs, Dean totaled 153 snaps as a pass rusher. He generated 34 total pressures, including eight sacks, according to PFF.

Yet through two seasons in the NFL, Dean was used as a pass rusher on just nine total snaps.

After being used as a pass rusher on just 4.0% of his total snaps during his first two seasons in the NFL, Dean’s role will change in 2024. He rushed the passer on six of his 46 total snaps (13.0%) during the preseason in Fangio’s defense.

Dean Must Improve in Coverage To Remain a Starter

It’s easy to project Dean as a fit in Fangio’s scheme due to his stout play against the run and pass-rushing upside, yet he must ease concerns about his coverage ability and prove he isn’t a liability there.

One of the concerns with Dean ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft is his lack of size and ability to defend bigger tight ends in pass coverage. That weakness has been exposed in the NFL, as Dean was a liability in coverage during his first two seasons.

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In 147 total coverage snaps, Dean allowed 16 receptions on 17 targets for 132 receiving yards and a passer rating of 99.0. It’s clear that allowing a completion percentage of 94.1% isn’t going to keep the third-year linebacker on the field in Philadelphia.

Dean has already made strides in coverage during preseason action in Fangio’s scheme. In 24 total coverage snaps through two preseason games, Dean allowed two receptions on three targets for 23 receiving yards and a passer rating of 89.6.

While those numbers certainly aren’t ideal, it’s a step in the right direction for Dean. He also had a pass breakup during the preseason. If he continues to improve in coverage, Dean could cement himself as a starting linebacker for the Eagles.

According to Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Dean already earned the job and was expected to be the team’s starting middle linebacker in Week 1. Therefore, it’s time for Dean to maintain a steady grip on that role.

After a rough start to his NFL career filled with nagging injuries and questionable usage, Dean has a fresh slate in 2024. He appears to be off to a strong start in Fangio’s scheme and must continue to build on his early success.