Eagles DC Vic Fangio passes the torch at linebacker: ‘Nakobe Dean is the starter’

The Philadelphia Eagles are off to the races. They’re 1-0 following their win over the Green Bay Packers and a few standout performances. One of the players who stood out most was LB Nakobe Dean, who filled in for the absent Devin White.

Road to redemption for Dean

The former Georgia Bulldog was a third-round selection back in 2022 but many believed he’d be taken much higher. He slipped through the cracks due to injury concerns, leading the Eagles in a favorable position to take a punt on his potential upside.

Fast forward 2 seasons however and the picture ahead of this season was blurry. Devin White was brought in to tide the team over until they find a long-term solution at the position and while many hoped that Nakobe Dean could be that guy, context was key.

After a strong start to 2023 with 7 tackles in the opening game, he ended up being placed on IR. When he returned to the lineup, he would again flash his prowess before suffering another injury and hitting IR again.

A new beginning

Dean burst out of the gates this spring and turned heads almost immediately. The Georgia product continued that momentum deep into training camp and preseason play, and when it was announced that Devin White would not be traveling with the team, he was given an opportunity to snatch the starting spot and make up for lost time.

He did just that in Week 1. Registering 3 tackles and looking much more reliable in coverage, Nakobe Dean put together one of his most solid performances yet, and that was enough to draw the following praise from Vic Fangio:

“I just think from the start of camp to the end, he won the job,” Fangio said via NBC Sports Philadelphia/Yahoo.

That last remark is interesting. Perhaps the reason White didn’t travel was because Dean had already locked that starting role up. It would make logistical sense for the Eagles to ride with Dean if he’s capable enough of starting given the fact they have more long-term interest in his development. He has 2 more years left on his contract and is young enough to still grow into a great linebacker in this league.

Nakobe Dean will now get his chance after an impressive week 1 outing and will look to build on that performance against the Packers.