Former Georgia Bulldogs Nolan Smith and Nakobe Dean are among those reunited in Philadelphia after the Eagles took UGA’s Smith, Jalen Carter and Kelee Ringo in this year’s NFL draft.
Dean was drafted in 2022 along with former Bulldog Jordan Davis, but the Eagles already had established linebackers in starting roles, leaving Dean to serve primarily as a reserve last season.
Dean has a shot to start in 2023 as the Eagles replace both starters from 2022.
Smith, who came to Athens in the same 2019 recruiting class as Dean, was asked if the former Butkus Award winner was ready to take the starting role this week at camp.
There is zero doubt in Nolan Smith’s mind that Nakobe Dean is ready to step in and be the Eagles starter at LB. pic.twitter.com/VADyFB2tXf
— rob kuestner (@rkuestnernbc10) July 30, 2023
Smith brought up how Dean was the on-the-field play caller in Georgia’s stout defense during his three-year career as a Bulldog.
Dean will get his first chance to solidify his new role when the Eagles take on the Baltimore Ravens in the first preseason matchup on Aug. 12 at 7:00 p.m. ET.
