PHILADELPHIA Georgia linebacker Nakobe DeanHe was one of college football’s best players and he made it to the third round. 2022 NFL draftBefore being selected with the 83rd overall selection by the Philadelphia Eagles.
Multiple sources indicated to ESPN’s Dan Graziano & Jeremy Fowler, that Dean was having health problems. Although Dean doesn’t require surgery, sources say that there are already concerns about his weight and medical issues.
Graziano was informed by a source that Dean’s health concerns are not long-term. Fowler reported that Dean was cleared by independent doctors. Teams received letters classifying the injury to be a pectoral strain.
The Eagles could have made a huge steal if Dean is healthy. Dean was an integral part of the national champion Bulldogs. He had 72 tackles (10.5 per loss), six interceptions, and six sacks last season.
A 2021 Butkus Award winner and AP first-team All-American selection, Dean generated 19 pressures when lined up as an inside linebacker last season, according to ESPN Stats & Information, the fourth-most in the FBS. While he was most often an inside linebacker (74 percent of snaps), he showed versatility by playing outside and at cornerback sometimes.
Dean recorded 4.5 sacks against top-10 Associated Press opponents and 29% pressure percentage (in those five games, Dean had 9.0 tackles at the line of scrimmage).
The Eagles signed the former Los Angeles Chargers linebacker. Kyzir WhiteTo a one year deal in free agency
Philadelphia will be home to at least one familiar face for Dean, as the Eagles move up to choose a Bulldog. Jordan DavisIn the first round, Thursday