The Cowboys have one of the best linebackers in the NFL in All-Pro Micah Parsons. However, they're currently thin at linebacker due to several of their own set to hit free agency.

The NFL draft offers an opportunity to add another impact player at the position for the Cowboys. Georgia's Nakobe Dean is one of the best linebackers coming out of the collegiate ranks. Dean has been a popular pick for the Cowboys at 24, having landed there in a mock draft a few weeks ago along with several others.

Earlier this week, Dean found himself in Dallas again courtesy of Pro Football Focus.

Per PFF:

"The Cowboys have had a lot of turnover at the off-ball linebacker position recently, and 2018 first-round pick linebacker Leighton Vander Esch is also a pending free agent this upcoming offseason. With Parsons deployed more as an edge defender as the season went on, a true Mike linebacker could still provide value for Dan Quinn’s defense.

"Dean has rare sideline-to-sideline speed, can stick with running backs and tight ends in coverage, and racked up eight sacks and 31 quarterback pressures in his final season at Georgia. He and Parsons could be a scary linebacker tandem for years to come."

Here's what NFL analyst Lance Zierlein said about what Dean brings to the table:

"Explosive, three-down linebacker with the demeanor and quickness to become a volume tackler while holding down third-down duties at a high level. Dean's play recognition is a work in progress, which limits reaction time and forces him to deal with more blockers than he'll see as he gains more experience. Quick feet and plus agility will bring him to ball-carriers at a high rate but a lack of size and length means he'll need to fine-tune his approach as a tackler to make sure he finishes what he starts. He might lack measurables, but he has the toughness and technique to see a boost in his performance once his play becomes more proactive."

Dean would be a dream come true for the Cowboys. Having another linebacker that can play the run well and rush the passer as Parsons does would instantly improve the Cowboys defense. Also, with 2021 fourth-round pick Jabril Cox expected to fully recover from a torn ACL, Dean would allow the Cowboys to drop two linebackers in coverage if need be while Parsons rushes the passer. Or they could even send another heat-seeking missile at opposing quarterbacks along with Parsons.

Creating turnovers was a big part of the Cowboys' defense in 2021. They led the NFL with 26 interceptions and 34 total turnovers. Dean had two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a touchdown for the Bulldogs last season, so he's no stranger to making an impact.

And you can hear why when he listen to him speak.

"Turnovers, I say takeaways," Dean said. "I learned this in the meetings. I wouldn't say turnover because turnover is more so when the offense gives you the ball but a takeaway is more so you take the ball away from the offense. So how important is it? They are extremely important. They can turn the game like no other. The team who wins the turnover battle almost always wins the game. I've never known anyone who wouldn't get on the field for not making a big play."

That will make Cowboys' defensive coordinator Dan Quinn happy. And it's likely he'll be even happier if Dean falls into his lap in 2022.

Feature image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports