2022 NFL DRAFT PROSPECT REPORT
- Name: Nakobe Dean
- Position: Linebacker
- School: Georgia
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 226lbs
Film Watched: Florida 2021, Alabama 2021, Clemson 2021
Pro's:
- Explosive. Insane burst off the snap and at top speed in the blink of an eye
- Elite sideline to sideline speed
- Impressive agility to avoid contact and fit gaps or blitz into the backfield
- Brutal hitter. Will destroy the ball carrier if he has the opportunity
- Will hunt down the football from the backside at warp speed
- Picks his way through the clutter well as he scrapes to the football
- Comfortable in space and able to command a good area of turf in pass coverage
- Matches up with running backs both physically and athletically
- Jaw dropping production. 168 tackles in 36 games, and six sacks in his final season in Athens
Con's:
- Undersized for the position, with less muscle mass on his frame than desired
- Short arms make shedding from sticky blocks a little troublesome
- Play diagnosis showed development in 2021, but still relies on athleticism to get home rather than anticipation
- Ultra-aggressive play style can be used against him by savvy blockers
- Susceptible to misdirection
The Verdict:
“With so many talented individuals on this Georgia defense, the crazy stats Nakobe Dean recorded in 2021 were a testament to the level of performance he showed in his final year as a Bulldog. Standing out in this company isn’t easy, but Dean dominated headlines by being in and around every play. His unbridled play style is fun to watch and Dean has plenty of admirers as a result; there’s not a blade of grass he cannot cover, and he’s like a heat-seeking missile when tasked with going after the football. Dean will eradicate some of the mistakes you see on tape as he hones his craft and his instincts develop, so the only real concern is if he can maintain that level of aggression at his current size and stay healthy at the next level. He’s a first round talent, and it’s only positional value that could stop him from hearing his name called on day one.”
Simon Carroll
Head Of NFL Draft Content
NFL COMPARISON: ROQUAN SMITH
PREDICTION: FIRST ROUND PICK
5/5