How has Nakobe Dean reshaped the Raiders' defense?

HENDERSON, Nev. --Nakobe Dean's impact on the Las Vegas Raiders' defense could be summarized by one play in the Week 2 win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Raiders led 17-14 in the fourth quarter and needed to stop the Chargers from converting on third-and-2 from the 28-yard line. Quarterback Justin Herbert handed the ball off to second-year running back Omarion Hampton, hoping he could convert the short-yardage situation. Dean had a different plan.

Dean maneuvered from the B-gap to the A-gap and met Hampton face-to-face before tackling him for no gain, forcing the Chargers to punt.

Dean's performances through his first two weeks with the Raiders have been filled with clutch moments. He has made plays all over the field, racking up 15 tackles, 1.5 sacks, four pressures and a pair of forced fumbles.

Over the offseason, the Raiders signed Dean to a three-year, $36 million deal. So far, it was money well spent.

"He's been the glue to our defense," safety Jeremy Chinn told ESPN. "It's crazy how much a linebacker in the middle of the field can make such a difference in the back end and front end."

Dean came to Las Vegas after four injury-riddled seasons with thePhiladelphia Eagles, who selected him in the third round of the 2022 draft. Dean played in at least 15 games only twice with the Eagles. But when he was on the field, Dean was effective. He compiled 226 tackles, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and 19 tackles for loss in 47 games (27 starts).

Las Vegas might have to give credit to Dean's intuition for landing one of the top off-ball linebackers in free agency. After the 2025 season, Dean had a competitive offer from the Dallas Cowboysalong with the Raiders.

However, Dean thought about and prayed on both offers and ultimately, he couldn't go against his gut, which told him Las Vegas was the right fit.

Dean and fellow teammate Quay Walker have reshaped the Raiders' inside linebacker room. Last year, Las Vegas filled the room with veterans who were past their prime and signed to one-year deals. The production was inconsistent.

The Raiders took a new approach with Dean and Walker, both of whom are in the prime of their respective careers. And even though defensive coordinator Rob Leonard has had a strong start as a playcaller, Dean and Walker have been vital for the unit's ability to operate efficiently.

Dean, in particular, has added much-needed support in the passing game. In six pass-rush snaps, Dean recorded a pressure rate of 66.7% and three quarterback hits. He recorded three pressures against the Chargers.

As a whole, the Raiders have a league-leading sack total (eight) while ranked fifth in pressures (41) and first in pressure rate (50%). Of course, edge rusher Maxx Crosby has played a major role, but Dean has been much-needed support. Similar to Walker, Dean can line up in multiple spots up front. He has played 71 defensive snaps at inside linebacker, 12 at defensive tackle and 16 at outside linebacker.

"You have guys that can consistently win one-on-one [matchups] or be able to disguise. It's huge for a defense," defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV told ESPN. "When you got guys getting home from blitzes and pressures, it makes everybody else's job easier. So it's great to have those two guys behind us."

Dean has been just as impactful in stopping the run. He has collected 11 run tackles and two run stuffs. Dean has played in 120 defensive snaps (97%), and the Raiders have allowed 3.7 rushing yards per attempt when he is on the field. However, they have given up 11 yards per carry whenever he is on the sidelines.

Las Vegas is 15th in rushing yards per game (100.5), 17th in rushing yards per game (four), but first in defensive rush total EPA (17.71).

Dean's leadership has been invaluable. He is responsible for lining his teammates up and making sure everyone is on the same page. Dean's most important trait is his winning pedigree, which is why the Raiders were attracted to him in free agency.

Dean won a national title during his final season in college at Georgia in 2021. His best season in Philadelphia was 2024, when he and the Eagles ultimately won a Super Bowl over the Kansas City Chiefs.

His winning mentality has been essential to the Raiders' first 2-0 start since 2021. Another defining moment in the Raiders' matchup against the Chargers came late in the fourth quarter when Dean punched the ball out of Hampton's arm, resulting in a recovery from Chinn to help them secure the win.

"He's a dog," Crosby said. "...You could rely on him in the biggest moments, and he's been playing his ass off."