Former Georgia Bulldog linebacker Nakobe Dean shining in the preseason

When the Philadelphia Eagles drafted Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Nakobe Dean selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft, they saw massive potential in him. However, injuries and setbacks have prevented him from showing that potential on the field so far. If the 2024 preseason is any indication, then Eagles fans and UGA fans could see that potential shine through this season.

Dean has been sensational for the Eagles so far. Over the course of two preseason games, he’s earned a PFF grade of 91.6, the highest preseason grade of any Philadelphia Eagle. He leads the Eagles with seven tackles, too. Under new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, he’s shined in his audition tape to become one of the Eagles’ starting inside linebackers.

He’s not only shown tremendous improvement this preseason and he’s playing with tremendous confidence as well. When asked about his recovery process from a Lisfranc injury last year that took him out for 12 games, he said, “I’m not back. I’m better. I feel like I’ve been better than in my first two years. The injury, working helped me get back to myself physically, and it made me mentally stronger, spiritually stronger, and has kind of helped lock me in.”

He’s looked more confident on the field as well, and UGA fans should be excited to see a former Bulldog potentially be an impact starter for a very good Eagles team that features numerous former Dawgs.