Here's Why Nakobe Dean's Pectoral Injury Caused Drop To Third Round in NFL Draft

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Zachary Engberg

2 min read • April 30, 2022

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NFL
Here's Why Nakobe Dean's Pectoral Injury Caused Drop To Third Round in NFL Draft

Despite being the centerpiece of one of the great college football defenses in the 21st century and a surefire Day 1 pick, Georgia linebacker Nakobe Dean fell to the 83rd pick in the third round.

His meteoric fall, our Pro Football Docs believe, is due to legitimate concerns over a recent pectoral tendon tear and his decision to bypass necessary surgery.

Dean revealed at Georgia’s Pro Day on March 16 that he suffered a pectoral injury while bench-pressing in preparation for the Combine. 

Kirby Smart said at the time that Dean suffered a strain, but reporting from Ian Rapoport and Tom Pellisero – among other national insiders, including PFF’s Austin Gayle – that surgery was an option suggests that he suffered a more significant tear.

Generally, surgeries are only required to treat tears and are the standard to repair such injuries. 

If Dean had undergone surgery at the time of the injury in late February or early March, he likely would have addressed the issue early enough to recover in time for the start of the 2022 season.

Because he has waited, however, even if he undergoes surgery now, his recovery would likely seep into the season.

Dr. David Chao, the head team doctor for the Chargers for 17 years, said surgery is often the best course of action for soft-tissue injuries this serious.

“I have told players,” Chao said, “having surgery is not the worst case scenario. As long as you project recovery, NFL teams don't really care.

“To not fix a brewing problem is worse.”

Pec tears are not uncommon, especially for defensive players: recent examples include J.J. Watt, Kwon Alexander, and Eric Weddle.

Watt and Alexander each underwent surgeries mid-way through the 2019 season, with Alexander returning to the 49ers two-and-a-half months after his surgery and playing in their final two playoff games. 

Weddle, meanwhile, played through the injury he suffered in the Super Bowl, but had to adjust his tackling style to do so. He underwent surgery after the season, but was unequivocal that he will re-retire, partly because of the injury.

There are other factors at play for Dean. As a linebacker on the smaller side – he stands at 6-foot, 225 pounds – his technique and arm strength are essential for his success. Pectoral muscles are an integral piece in wrapping up and finishing tackles as rushers can power through arm tackles.