Nakobe Dean’s Journey to Starting Linebacker: Stronger Than Ever
Nakobe Dean’s journey to becoming a starting linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles has been nothing short of impressive. After a foot injury sidelined him towards the end of last season and through OTAs, Dean used the summer to catch up and get back to full health. The hard work and dedication he put in during the offseason are clearly paying off, as he has been showcasing his skills and determination during training camp practices.
Rising Through the Ranks
Dean’s performance during training camp has been nothing short of outstanding, with Sunday’s practice being a standout moment for him. After a series of strong practices, Dean’s hard work has not gone unnoticed. Despite starting last year as a linebacker, he is now earning his spot on the first team through his impressive play on the field.
“I didn’t have a day off, I didn’t have an offseason,” Dean shared. “It was five days a week until training camp started as far as getting that foot right, getting better. It’s like I’m not back, I’m better.”
Dean’s perseverance and commitment to his recovery have paid off, as he is now the healthiest he has been all summer. His performance on the field has been a testament to his hard work and dedication, earning him first-team reps alongside Devin White. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has been impressed by Dean’s progress, as he has shown significant improvement since last season.
Embracing Physical Play
One of the key aspects of Dean’s game that has stood out during training camp is his physicality on the field. His aggressive play and willingness to make big hits have caught the attention of coaches and teammates alike. In a practice session, Dean laid out running back Will Shipley with a powerful hit, showing his ability to make an impact on the field.
“I want to play. And I want to be the first one that plays,” Dean stated. “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.”
Dean’s physicality on the field is a reflection of the defensive philosophy instilled by new linebackers coach Bobby King. Under King’s guidance, Dean has been able to embrace his aggressive style of play and showcase his talents as a linebacker.
“I feel like I’ve had the kind of camp that I’m supposed to have,” Dean expressed. “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.”
Earning His Spot
As Dean continues to impress with his performance on the field, he is inching closer towards securing a starting linebacker spot for the Eagles in Week 1. His ability to excel in various aspects of the game, from coverage to tackling to blitzing, has set him apart from the competition.
“The type of linebacker I am, I feel like you need to be able to do everything,” Dean explained. “And I feel like those are things I do good.”
The momentum is undeniably shifting in Dean’s favor, as he continues to make a strong case for why he deserves a starting role on the team. His dedication to improvement and willingness to embrace a more physical style of play have not gone unnoticed, and it is clear that Dean is ready to shine on the field.
In Conclusion
Nakobe Dean’s journey to becoming a starting linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles has been marked by hard work, dedication, and perseverance. After overcoming a foot injury that sidelined him last season, Dean has used the offseason to get back to full health and showcase his skills on the field. Through his impressive performance during training camp, Dean has earned his spot on the first team and is poised to make a significant impact on the Eagles’ defense. With his physicality, versatility, and determination, Dean is ready to seize the opportunity and prove why he belongs as a starting linebacker in the NFL.
