Dallas Cowboys’ Prospect Spotlight: LB Nakobe Dean
Three years ago, if you were to tell me that linebacker would be a need for the Dallas Cowboys in 2022, I would’ve told you you were crazy. Unfortunately, the regression of Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith (along with his eventual release) have made this position a problem.
In a little bit of good news, LVE has recently taken a team-friendly deal to return to the Cowboys for next season to try to revamp his career. He will most likely start at middle linebacker (or MIKE) next season barring any injury or any other off-season additions (*cough* Bobby Wagner *cough*).
With Vander Esch and young superstar Micah Parsons taking up two linebacker spots, that still leaves one spot left which is currently filled by Luke Gifford. It’s possible that the Cowboys will use the draft to secure someone who may have a better performance than Gifford. One player who could potentially fall into the Cowboys’ lap is Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Nakobe Dean.
LB. Georgia Bulldogs. NakobeDean. 17. player. Pick Analysis. 814. Stats:
An overview of potential Cowboys draftee Nakobe Dean
Nakobe Dean never allowed a TD in coverage in his entire career 🔒 pic.twitter.com/Tqijfy8hUL
— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 17, 2022
Nakobe Dean was the leader of an insanely talented Georgia defense. He helped captain a defense that allowed the second-fewest yards per game and the fewest points per game (just 9.5 points per game allowed) in the regular season. Sure, that defense had many other stars on it (including three other potential first-round picks), but Dean was a major facet of what made that defense so scary.
We will get into the strengths and weaknesses of his game next, but there’s a reason why he won the Butkus Award in 2021 (an award that Cowboys’ Micah Parsons won at the pro level). For those who don’t know, the award is given to the country’s best linebacker at the high school, college, and NFL levels.
For reference, some past winners of the Butkus Award include Tampa Bay Buccaneer linebacker Devin White, Carolina Panthers legend Luke Kuechly, and Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller. The Georgia Bulldog’s stats also help tell the story. Dean finished with 72 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, two interceptions (including one for a touchdown), and two forced fumbles.
In this article, we will take a look at Dean’s weaknesses, strengths, and how he would fit with the Dallas roster. Let’s get started!