Georgia LB Nakobe Dean
6-foot
229 pounds
Yahoo Sports’ 2022 NFL draft grade
6.45 — possible first-rounder; possible immediate-impact prospect
TL;DR scouting report
Undersized, energetic playmaker who flies around the field and fills up the stat sheet as a three-down performer
The skinny
A 4-star Rivals recruit (No. 31 nationally) in the Class of 2019, Dean chose the Bulldogs over several SEC schools. He was UGA’s co-Defensive Newcomer of the Year as a true freshman in 2019, earning a starting role the following season and leading the team in tackles. In 2021, Dean was named the Butkus Award winner and to various All-America teams, leading Georgia to a national title victory over Alabama. After the season, Dean declared early for the 2022 NFL draft.
Nakobe Dean runs football drills during Georgia’s Pro Day on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Upside
Play speed is exceptional — can beat some skill-position players to the corner
Elite athletic traits for a linebacker — burst, quickness and body control all top notch
Box-score stuffer — 72 tackles (10.5 for losses), 6 sacks, 2 INTs (one pick-six), 2 FFs in 2021
Takes on blocks like a player 30 pounds heavier
Also has the speed to run around blocks — hard target to hit squarely
Tough, gritty style — big hitter and intense from first snap to last
Outstanding football IQ and instincts — sniffs out the play before it materializes
Clear three-down value as blitzer and in coverage
Times up blitzes well and closes fast
Extremely well-versed in coverage duties, more than 750 career drops
Can be used to neutralize pass-catching backs or spy athletic quarterbacks
Seemingly racks up 2-3 hustle plays per game
100-plus special-teams snaps each of past two seasons
Was unquestioned leader on national-champion defense
Natural leadership skills show up on field…
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