Eagles PFF Grades: Nakobe Dean and Zack Baun were the highest rated linebackers in Week 8

It feels insane even writing this, but I think the Philadelphia Eagles might have elite linebackers.

Both Nakobe Dean and Zack Baun balled out Sunday afternoon against the Bengals. They combined for 17 total tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. In turn, they were the two highest-graded linebackers in Week 8 by Pro Football Focus.

The Eagles have good linebackers again

Eagles linebackers PFF grades from Sunday:

Zack Baun: 91.3
Nakobe Dean: 90.7

Pretty cool having good linebackers again!

— Brian Cass (@Bcass28) October 29, 2024

Baun has been a menace since Week 1 and has been one of the best acquisitions from the offseason. Dean, on the other hand, took a little bit to get going, but since the bye week, he’s been great.

Credit to Eagles DC Vic Fangio for utilizing these guys the right way. Both of them are solid blitzers and Fangio hasn’t been afraid to throw them at the quarterback in passing situations. Dean has been one of the best pass rushing linebackers in the league this year, posting a PFF pass rushing grade of 75.9 for the year, good for 7th among 57 qualifying linebackers.

As the season goes on, I expect both of these guys to continue developing. I just hope Howie Roseman actually pays them what they’re worth when the time comes. Their elite play has clearly has an effect on the entire defense. They need to be here long-term.