Breakdowns

4/17/22

2 min read

Nakobe Dean: My Path to The NFL Draft

Nakobe Dean NFL Draft

In the lead-up to the 2022 NFL Draft The 33rd Team’s own Brian Schottenheimer, sat down with former Georgia linebacker Nakobe Deen to speak about what makes him such a premier NFL prospect

Dean finished the 2021 season with 72 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and five passes defended. All of that production helped the Georgia Bulldogs win the 2021 National Championship. 

Schottenheimer, a former NFL offensive coordinator, and current coaching analyst for the Dallas Cowboys, begins the conversation by asking Dean how he ended up committing to the University of Georgia. 

Next, Dean details why he decided to study mechanical engineering at Georgia and how education was always a top priority for him, while also committing to football. Later, Schottenheimer asks Dean to name some of his biggest mentors and talk about how he carries himself off the field. 

Dean then speaks about his demeanor on the field. 

“You have to flip the switch,” Dean said. “I’m passionate about football. I do it with all my effort, all my passion. I just, when I’m on the field, I able to just put it out. I’ll say this, I’m tenacious. I’m intense on the field. The fun I’m having on the field is just all coming together.” 

Schottenheimer then mentions how he heard the same things when he talked to coaches about Dean’s on-the-field play. 

This is followed up by a discussion on Dean’s film study habits. He says he starts watching film on Sundays after the team plays on Saturday and makes sure he takes diligent notes. Dean mentions he feels like Georgia underestimated Alabama the first time they played, but the second time was much easier. 

Lastly, Schottenheimer asks Dean about how he handles interviewing with NFL teams during the draft process. Dean comments that he could talk ball all day and enjoyed speaking with most teams. 

Schottenheimer then comments he thinks Dean is an impressive prospect that he’s rooting for despite being a Florida Gator alumni.


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