About half a dozen players on the Eagles face some real pressure in 2023, and Nakobe Dean leads the list.
Philadelphia GM Howie Roseman let T.J. Edwards (Bears) and Kyzir White (Cardinals) walk in free agency, expecting the former Georgia All-American to assume a critical role at the linebacker position under new defensive coordinator Sean Desai.
According to Bleacher Report, Dean is the Eagles player who could make or break their Super Bowl contention.
Dean isn’t just being counted on as a starter—if OTAs are any indication, Dean will also wear the “green dot” helmet communicator and relay the defensive playcalls. Dean is a wildly talented player who may well thrive in the new role. But if he struggles or those durability concerns crop up, the Eagles don’t have a lot on the depth chart behind him and veteran Nicholas Morrow.
Dean saw action in all 17 games last season, finishing with six total tackles (5 solos) in a reserve role.
Dean ranked T-2nd on the team with seven special teams tackles, and he’ll now look to take the next steps as a downhill run stopper capable of making plays in space when forced into pass coverage.