Robert Griffin III: Nakobe Dean is Day 2 steal of 2022 NFL Draft

Former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Robert Griffin III joined ESPN’s College GameDay prior to discuss Nakobe Dean who he feels was the steal of day two of the 2022 NFL Draft. Dean is headed to Philadelphia after the Eagles drafted him No. 83 overall in the third round.

.@RGIII is confident in Nakobe Dean 💪

“[He] is the steal of Day 2 of the draft.” pic.twitter.com/3VeS07vhr3

— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) April 30, 2022

“When you look at the Nakobe Dean, he was the best player on that Georgia defense,” Griffin said. “He was the leader of that defense. I call him lean, mean and he wears number 17. There were worries about his size and how he would translate to the NFL game, and I just think looking at him, if you have a problem with the size, then draft him behind Jordan Davis draft him, put him behind Fletcher Cox and allow him to run sideline to sideline I think that’s what Philly did.

In four seasons with the Bulldogs, Dean elevated his game consistently, leading an exceptional Georgia defense as one of the top linebackers in the entire nation.

Last season, Dean realized his dream of bringing a championship to Georgia, helping to end a drought that spanned over 40 years when the Bulldogs defeated Alabama in the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Additionally, the star linebacker was the recipient of the Butkus Award, presented annually to the top linebackers in college football and will look to continue that success while in the NFL.

According to the franchise’s general manager Howie Roseman, the Eagles’ third round selection will be ready for the beginning of the franchise’s rookie minicamp. “People had concerns, but Nakobe Dean is going to be on the field for rookie mini camp,” Roseman told NFL Network’s James Palmer on late Friday evening.

The reason for Dean’s fall on NFL Draft night was concerns with his injury history. But after Dean finally heard his name called, Palmer revealed that Dean was never told he needed any sort of surgery for his injuries.

“Nakobe Dean said it was nerve-racking to see the reports that were out there,” Palmer said. “How they were effecting his mother and costing him money, but said he’s still truly blessed. He has never been told that he should have surgery during this process.”