Nakobe Dean has a big fan in Todd McShay ahead of 2022 NFL Draft

ESPN’s Todd McShay is a huge fan of Georgia linebacker Nakobe Dean. As the leader of the vaunted Bulldogs defense, McShay believes Dean can be a superstar at the next level.

On the SportsCenter NFL Draft Special on Tuesday, McShay predicted Dean’s landing spot — slotting him in at a premier destination at the professional level.

“At No. 7, the New York Giants, Nakobe Dean, the Georgia linebacker,” McShay started. “I love this guy on tape. He can sideline to sideline versus the run. He’s the most-improved blitzed and pass-rusher I saw all season long in terms of getting after the quarterback and he’s great in coverage.

“He has excellent range, as you saw on that pick-six against Florida. He’s a playmaker when he gets his hands on the ball. His stats back up what you see on tape.”

Evidently, McShay believes Dean can be a star linebacker in the mold of some of the NFL’s best at the next level. Moreover, the Giants haven’t had a star line Dean leading their linebacking corps in over a decade. He could change the face of their defense.

Anchoring the unit at arguably the most important defensive position, Dean could grow into the face of New York’s star-studded unit. The moment certainly isn’t too big for Dean, as he’s led the Georgia defense to one of the best seasons in the history of the sport.

The Giants have needs all over the place, but selecting a star like Nakobe Dean could be too tough for any team to pass up. For a franchise in need of a face for their defense, the Georgia star would be a tremendous selection.

More on Nakobe Dean

While Todd McShay was singing the praise of Nakobe Dean, the Georgia linebacker received a prestigious honor. Earlier this week, it was revealed that Dean was named to the Associated Press All-American First Team.

Moreover, the Georgia star earned the high honor all season long. In helping Georgia get to the College Football Playoff, Dean accumulated 61 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. Additionally, he was named the top collegiate linebacker in the nation — taking home the 2021 Butkus Award.

In the past, the only other Bulldogs linebacker to win the aforementioned award is Roquan Smith in 2017. After starring for Georgia for years, Smith moved on to the NFL — drafted No. 8 overall by the Chicago Bears in 2018.

Since then, Smith has gone on to have a successful career in the NFL. As Nakobe Dean attempts to mimic Smith’s success, it’s easy to see why experts are so hopeful for the Georgia star.