Todd McShay predicts Patriots draft Georgia defender with 21st overall pick
In his latest mock draft for ESPN, Todd McShay predicts that the Patriots will select Georgia linebacker Nakobe Dean in the first round.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JANUARY 10: Nakobe Dean #17 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs with the ball into the end zone during the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2022 CFP National Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The play was overturned after replay review. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
The Patriots are in desperate need of quality linebackers this offseason. There is defensive talent in the draft, which marks one avenue for the team to address arguably its greatest area of need.
In his latest mock draft for ESPN, ESPN's Todd McShay projects that New England will draft linebacker Nakobe Dean out of Georgia with the 21st overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Dean elevated his play in his junior season at Georgia that culminated in a National Championship win over Alabama. At six-foot and 225 pounds, Dean can interrupt the game in a variety of ways on the defensive side of the football. The linebacker set a career-high with 72 tackles, including 10.5 for loss with six sacks. Dean also forced two fumbles and intercepted two passes, one of which was returned for a touchdown.
New England already released Kyle Van Noy, while Dont’a Hightower and Ja’Whaun Bentley are both set to become free agents. A thin group that lacked productivity down the stretch next season needs playmakers to spark an immediate impact in 2022. Dean comes from a championship defense and offers versatility in his skillset to help New England if they should take him at this spot.
