Nakobe Dean Ascends in Eagles' Defensive Hierarchy
Sunday marked a turning point for Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean, who showcased an impressive performance despite a summer riddled with a foot injury. His journey from being handed a starting role last year to now earning it the hard way has been a testament to his resilience and work ethic.
Last season, Dean stepped onto the field as a starter. This season, however, he has gradually worked his way into first-team reps, often in collaboration with Devin White. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has expressed his encouragement regarding Dean's progress. During Saturday's practice, Dean made his physical presence felt by laying out running back Will Shipley on the first play of 11-on-11s. Moments later, he broke up a pass aimed at DeVonta Smith.
The Eagles have long been yearning for more physicality from their defense, and Dean epitomizes this newfound aggressiveness. Under the new linebackers coach Bobby King, Dean has embraced his physical playing style, a transformation he openly credits to King's influence.
"I didn't have a day off; I didn't have an offseason. It was five days a week until training camp started, getting that foot right, getting better. It's like I'm not back; I'm better," Dean said, reflecting on his grueling offseason regimen. His determination and commitment have clearly paid off, as he is now closer to securing the starting linebacker position for Week 1.
Dean's camp performance aligns with his own high expectations. "I feel like I've had the kind of camp that I'm supposed to have," he remarked, exuding a sense of fulfillment and readiness.
Under Fangio's defensive philosophy, Dean has thrived, focusing on the fundamentals of block destruction, blitzing, and tackling. "He made it a main emphasis of block destruction, of blitzing because Vic's been calling our number, and tackling is a universal thing. We don't want no missed tackles, definitely not at the linebacker position, so it's been kind of a universal topic we've been on in camp," Dean explained.
Despite the reduced tackling in camp, Dean aims to add a physical edge to every play. "We don't tackle as much in camp, so you try to thud as much as you can. In past years, I feel like I two-handed touch always. I want to thud," he stated, indicating his desire to make every hit count.
This physical approach has been well-received by his offensive counterparts. "Offensive guys have embraced it. They embraced the toughness. They want a feel. The offensive starters, they haven't played in the preseason (games). So the first time they get hit, they don't want it to be Week 1," Dean pointed out.
With his versatility, Dean has shown his ability to cover, fill the A-gap, and blitz the quarterback, proving himself a valuable asset to the Eagles' defense. "The type of linebacker I am, I feel like you need to be able to do everything. You need to be able to cover, you need to be able to fill that A-gap, you need to be able to blitz the quarterback. And I feel like those are things I do good," he said confidently.
As Nakobe Dean continues to rise and impress, it is clear that his dedication, physicality, and versatility have not only earned him recognition but have also positioned him as a key figure in the Eagles' defense. His hard work and commitment to improving his game suggest that this season may indeed be a breakout year for the young linebacker.