Georgia linebackers set jaw-dropping stat since 2017

Georgia linebackers have been really good the last few years. Like, really good.

A stat from Pro Football Focus shows just how good the Bulldogs have had it at the position.

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Since 2017, the two highest-graded linebackers from PFF. Roquan Smith is No. 1 with a 92.2 grade in 2017 and Nakobe Dean is close behind at No. 2 this year. Dean came in with a 91.8 grade — 0.2 higher than former Penn State star Micah Parsons’ 91.6 in 2019.

That’s impressive.

Dean had a monster year for Georgia and was a big reason the Bulldogs ended their national championship drought. He had 72 tackles — including 10.5 tackles for loss — and 6.0 sacks this year as part of a strong Georgia defensive attack.

In the national championship against Alabama on Jan. 10, Dean had four tackles as the Bulldogs defeated the Crimson Tide 33-18 to win their first national title since 1980.

Mel Kiper praises specific aspect of Nakobe Dean’s game

Mel Kiper is a big believer in Georgia linebacker Nakobe Dean. After leading the Bulldogs to their first national championship in forty years, Kiper believes Dean could be a star at the next level.

Evidently, Kiper believes in Dean for a myriad of reasons. However, a specific aspect of the Georgia star’s game makes the ESPN NFL Draft guru think he’s going to be a star.

“Look at the Denver Broncos and Nakobe Dean and what he meant to that Georgia Bulldogs talent-laden defense,” started Kiper. “He was a guy called the signals, lined up everybody properly. Made sure they were in the right alignment. He made plays in coverage, got after quarterbacks. He’s an outstanding open field tackler.

“The Denver Broncos could also be thinking quarterback but the defense, particularly at linebacker, needs help. That’s one of their major needs The versatility of Nakobe Dean showed up week after week in the SEC.”

As you can see, Dean’s ability to lead the defense could be enticing to the Broncos — and other teams, as well. While some believe Denver will attempt to draft a star quarterback once again, the opportunity to draft Dean may be too much to pass up.

Last year, Denver selected cornerback Patrick Surtain II over quarterbacks like Mac Jones and Justin Fields. If they opt to go with Dean over prospects like Kenny Pickett or Matt Corral, Broncos fans shouldn’t be discouraged — they’re getting one of the best players in the entire draft.