Nakobe Dean Getting More Reps With Eagles' First-Team Defense

Nakobe Dean's time as a backup linebacker may be coming to an end - at least during training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles.

As the team prepares for the final week of practices to end training camp, the playtime for Dean with the first team unit has increased. It'll potentially set the stage for the former Georgia Bulldog to be the team's starting middle linebacker for the 2024 season.

"I want to play. And I want to be the first one that plays," Dean said. "But I can't control that. The only thing I can control is what I come out here and do every day, work hard and continue to get better.

"I feel like I've had the kind of camp that I'm supposed to have."

The former third-round pick has spent most of the reps on the second-team this summer behind the likes of Devin White and Zack Baun. Over the last few weeks, though, Dean's play has been more than deserving of an increase in reps.

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Not just with the second team but in his rightful spot as the team's top linebacker.

With Dean on the cusp of securing the starting role, expectations for the Eagles defense should only continue to grow in 2024.