The New England Patriots are slowly but surely building a playoff-contending roster after Tom Brady left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With the AFC East continuing to grow competitively, now is the time for this franchise to bring in some serious talent. We take a look at why Nakobe Dean is the perfect Patriots fit in the 2022 NFL Draft.

New England has entered a new era as it seems like the franchise will be moving on from Dont'a Hightower. He's been an incredible linebacker for the Patriots, but the front office needs to find his replacement. Nakobe Dean would be a phenomenal prospect to fill those shoes, as he was a monster during his time with the Georgia Bulldogs.

The Patriots tend to rely on their defense, as Bill Belichick is a defensive-minded head coach. Typically, we see the linebacker position play a huge role for this team and Nakobe Dean fits the bill as a future leader. Everything about him checks the boxes New England looks for in a linebacker, which is why they should select him.

With that said, here are three reasons why Nakobe Dean is the perfect fit for the Patriots in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Nakobe Dean Is Best Patriots Fit in 2022 NFL Draft

3. It's time to find Dont'a Hightower's replacement

This team is at their best when a superstar linebacker is in charge of the defense. Nakobe Dean needs to grow into a leadership role, but he has all of the tools necessary to fill Dont'a Hightower's shoes. Dean has proven to be a reliable tackle machine and should thrive in the NFL, especially if the Patriots take him in the first round of the NFL Draft.

With Hightower in free agency, it's time for New England to pull the trigger and reel in a rookie linebacker to replace the wile veteran. Give this kid a year of development and the Patriots suddenly have a superstar linebacker leading the way. It's not a guarantee that Dean will succeed in the NFL, but everything about him screams “superstar” if he's drafted by Bill Belichick.

2. Patriots need a stud linebacker to strengthen the defense

Dont'a Hightower can do it all and that's exactly what the Patriots should expect from their replacement. Nakobe Dean is capable of stuffing the run, reading the quarterback, and most importantly, making clean tackles. He needs to develop in pass coverage, but other than that, this kid should make an immediate impact on this team if he lands in New England.

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Having a versatile weapon in the linebacking core is always nice to have. Nakobe Dean is best compared to a wrecking ball, as he's able to wreak havoc amongst his opponents. He's a special talent that will make an immediate impact for the Patriots, which is exactly what this defense needs right now.

1. Nakobe Dean is the exact type of player New England needs to improve

Bill Belichick has looked like some sort of evil genius throughout his career. Time and time again, New England takes players who simply fit their system. Whether anyone else believes in those players doesn't matter. Nakobe Dean fits the bill, as his skill set matches the “Patriot Way.” For this reason, the front office should go ahead and select him 21st overall in the 2022 NFLDraft.

There are no off-field concerns with Nakobe Dean. He's a solid prospect who seems like a true student of the game. His athleticism and prowess within the front seven are what make him a first-round prospect. Although the Patriots need a wide receiver, and could probably find a stud in the first round, New England should highly consider Dean instead. Doing so will give the defense some much-needed firepower to remain atop of the AFC East.