Fans of the Philadelphia Eagles spent the offseason debating a pivotal question: Who should start at middle linebacker? Should it be Nakobe Dean, the promising 23-year-old drafted in 2022, or Devin White, the high-profile free-agent signing?
Dean got the nod in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers, but some speculated that his start was merely a result of White sitting out with an ankle injury. However, head coach Vic Fangio made things clear in a press conference on September 11: Dean is the starter, and White’s health won’t change that decision.
When asked whether Dean would retain the starting job when White returns, Fangio left no doubt: “No, Nakobe’s the starter.”
Dean’s Week 1 Performance and Expanded Role
In the season opener, Dean played a career-high 64 defensive snaps, registering four combined tackles, including one for loss. He also broke up a pass, giving fans a glimpse of the potential the Eagles saw when they drafted him in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The only Eagles linebacker to see more playing time was Zack Baun, with Dean even contributing a snap on special teams.
This marked a huge step forward for Dean, who saw minimal defensive action as a rookie, playing just 34 defensive snaps. Instead, he was primarily a special teams contributor, logging 340 special teams snaps. A Lisfranc injury hampered his sophomore campaign, sidelining him for the majority of the season after Week 1.
Now, fully healthy and in a prime starting role, Dean has a chance to prove he can be the Eagles’ middle linebacker of the future. The Eagles, with championship aspirations, will need Dean to continue developing, especially with his rookie contract set to expire after the 2025 season.
What About Devin White?
Devin White, signed to a one-year, $4 million deal with $3.5 million guaranteed, brings plenty of experience and accolades. White is a former Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro with three seasons of 100-plus tackles under his belt. His injury might have delayed his Eagles debut, but Fangio made it clear that White is still in the picture. “He’s still a good player,” Fangio said. “He’s still a part of it and will be a part of it.”
Concerns Linger for Dean’s Future
While Fangio’s vote of confidence in Dean is significant, the analytics tell a more complex story. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Dean earned a player grade of just 29.3 in Week 1, the lowest of any Eagles defender. His best category was pass rushing, but even there, his grade was below average. PFF also marked Dean down for his run defense, tackling, and coverage skills.
Of course, coaching decisions aren’t driven solely by PFF grades, but the low marks highlight areas where Dean must improve to maintain his starting job. The Eagles may be committed to Dean now, but White remains a valuable insurance policy if things don’t go as planned.
Looking Ahead
For Eagles fans, Dean’s ascension to the starting lineup is a welcome development, especially after a difficult start to his NFL career. His performance will be under the microscope, especially with a proven veteran like White waiting in the wings. If Dean can overcome his early struggles and live up to his potential, the Eagles could have a cornerstone linebacker for years to come. But with White lurking, the pressure will be on to deliver each week.
For now, it’s Nakobe Dean’s job to lose.
