Detroit Lions Will Meet with LB Nakobe Dean for Pre-Draft Visit

Former Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Nakobe Dean has been mocked to the Lions at No. 32 in the past few weeks.

John Maakaron | Apr 5, 2022

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Detroit Lions

The Georgia Bulldogs could have up to six players on the defensive side of the football selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Last month, the Detroit Lions sent special assistant Chris Spielman and linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard to Georgia's pro day.

Sheppard, who will coach inside linebackers in 2022, ran linebacker drills for a group of players that contributed heavily to the Bulldogs winning their first ever College Football Playoff national championship.

One of the most popular prospects that has been mocked to the Lions at pick No. 32 the last month has been linebacker Nakobe Dean.

The 6-foot, 225-pound linebacker is now set to have an official pre-draft visit with the Lions.

Among the needs Detroit general manager Brad Holmes must fill this offseason is at off-ball linebacker. The player the Lions add at the position will be expected to join Derrick Barnes and veteran Alex Anzalone, who is returning to Detroit on a one-year deal.

Dean recorded six sacks, 72 tackles and two interceptions for the Bulldogs last season, and was an integral factor in Georgia's dominant victory over Michigan in its semifinal matchup.

"I've talked and met with him, and I've talked with multiple scouts and we all kind of agree: There isn't a better player in this class in terms of football IQ," ESPN NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay said.

Travon Walker, Quay Walker, Jordan Davis and Devonte Wyatt are other prospects who potentially could be selected early in this year's draft.

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Published Apr 5, 2022

JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!