3 defensive talents Patriots can target with No. 21 pick in 2022 NFL Draft

While Dean won’t be for everyone due to his slight frame, nearly everything else about his player profile suggests he’s being capable of being an impact starter in his first season. Belichick loves speed on his defense, and you wouldn’t find a faster linebacker in this class than Dean.

He can cover sideline to sideline, make plays in coverage, and knife through the offensive line to make run stops. As good as Channing Tindall is, Dean’s ability to fly around the backfield might be the main reason Georgia’s defense was historically dominant at times.

Nakobe Dean would be an instant starter for the New England Patriots.

Belichick would be going against his type if he ends up drafting Dean. After all, linebackers like Dont’a Hightower and Ja’Whaun Bentley are gargantuan when compared to some of their rivals, and it could make for an odd schematic fit if Dean is unable to navigate the line of scrimmage.

But the former Bulldog was a productive pass rusher and bone-crunching tackler in the SEC for the best college defense I’ve ever seen. If that doesn’t get you a spot with the Patriots, nothing will. Dean can’t be ruled out as a draftee if he somehow gets passed on 20 separate times in April.