Nakobe Dean enters his third year looking to prove he belongs in the NFL while hoping to dispel the notion that he’s injury-prone or not equipped to be an every-down weakside linebacker.
A foot injury forced him to miss Philadelphia’s final seven games last season. Dean logged 30 tackles, including 0.5 sacks, in his five appearances in 2023 but will face competition from Devin White and 2024 fifth-round pick Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
After a recent Eagles practice, Dean openly welcomed the competition from all parties.
Nakobe Dean said he welcomes the competition at LB, said he’s ready to earn starting job. #Eagles
— Martin Frank (@Mfranknfl) July 29, 2024
Dean entered last season as a Week 1 starter after playing just 34 defensive snaps as a rookie, but injuries cost him time during training camp, and he never fully recovered. Now, he’s ceding snaps to Zack Baun and will need strong preseason showings to lock down a starting spot.
