The Chicago Bears began the final day of the 2018 NFL draft with plenty to be happy about. They’d secured what looks like three Day 1 starters in Roquan Smith, James Daniels and Anthony Miller. It felt like they were on a roll. This is the draft though and every team is due what looks like a puzzler at some point. GM Ryan Pace saved his for the fourth round when he grabbed Western Kentuck linebacker Joel Iyiegbuniwe.
Here is what NFL.com had to say about him.
“Iyegbuniwe put together a very strong campaign this season, but some of those numbers don’t look translatable on the next level without a lot more work. His speed and athletic ability in coverage are big pluses in his favor. His NFL role may have to be as a backup weak-side linebacker with some cover talent who can become a top special teams worker.”
With the #115 pick in the 2018 #NFLDraft, we select… Joel Iyiegbuniwe, LB, Western Kentucky.
Welcome to Chicago, @ig_nacious_! 🐻⬇️ #BearsDraft pic.twitter.com/uXAJ5Y60TF
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 28, 2018
Joel Iyiegbuniwe snuffs out a screen. pic.twitter.com/ywOofoAKUh
— Brad Stephens (@BradBGDN) April 22, 2017
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Joel Iyiegbuniwe had an 85.5 run-defense grade last season, which is among the leaders in this year's linebacker class
— PFF CHI Bears (@PFF_Bears) April 28, 2018
Initial impressions are Iyiegbuniwe is a special teams ace with ILB upside
Iyiegbuniwe was an unknown to most draft fans when his name was called. That’s not a surprise given the program he came from. So who exactly are the Bears getting? Based on the stats he was a highly productive linebacker in 2017. He had 117 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. He seems to have speed, athleticism, and decent instinct. All good qualities for an inside linebacker.
The lingering question is why? The Bears already drafted Smith who will be an instant starter. They didn’t need another at that position, especially with edge rusher needing so much attention. In the end, this is one of those moments where it’s best to trust Pace and his front office. They know what they’re doing. Iyiegbuniwe won’t be a starter right away, but with Danny Trevathan’s contract and injury history? It makes some sense they made this move now.
If nothing else the special teams definitely got better.
