Projecting Josey Jewell into the NFL
The Iowa Hawkeyes have had some very solid defenders go into the NFL in recent years. They are about to put one more defender into the league in Josey Jewell. Where could he go and what kind of impact could he have in the league?
Josey Jewell has been a standout at middle linebacker for the Iowa Hawkeyes since he came to Iowa in 2013 when he was redshirted. He got to play during the 2014 season and shined. Jewell has won many honors and has had several accolades all adding up to what will be a promising career beyond Iowa.
The NFL needs solid defensive players as today’s offenses are developing much faster than the defenses. A middle linebacker with the playmaking Jewell’s playmaking ability is going to be well received when it’s draft time. But just how well can he adapt to the NFL? Where will he go in the 2018 NFL Draft and what team could take him?
When looking at Jewell and his future career in the NFL, you first must look at his size. He is listed at 6-2 weighing 236 pounds. The ideal middle linebacker’s size in the NFL is right around 240 to 248 pounds in a 4-3 defense. However, defenses are starting to like their linebackers lighter and quicker, and this is exactly the type of linebacker that can fit in the middle of a 4-3 system.
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Where Jewell may shine even better is in a 3-4 system where he could play inside linebacker. In that scheme, he could be that fast guy that can get to the play quickly and make it. 3-4 inside linebackers are typically smaller and faster. Jewell fits this mold perfectly.
He reminds this writer of Chicago Bears’ middle linebacker Danny Trevathan. Trevathan, when healthy, makes plays all over the field and knows how to call a defense. He stands 6 feet one inch and weighs 231 pounds. Trevathan is effective as an inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.
Can Jewell be the same?
There are two key things, to start, that Jewell has that will make him a solid inside linebacker in the NFL. That’s quickness and speed. Jewell makes plays all over the field and can get to the play in a hurry. He’s smart and can diagnose plays quickly. Jewell is also a leader and could easily capture and hold a leadership role in any defense even in his first year in the NFL.
Jewell’s playmaking ability is going to force NFL teams to take notice of him and make him a sought-after prospect. Where might he go in the 2018 NFL Draft? This writer believes that Jewell, with a great finish to the season as well as good workouts and a solid combine, could go somewhere in the late second through the third round.
A team that’s looking for someone to play inside is going to like his playmaking ability. A team like I mentioned, the Chicago Bears, could be in the market for his services. The Indianapolis Colts or the Arizona Cardinals might like his ability and consider drafting him. Wherever he lands, you can be assured that he will work his way into the lineup quickly starting out as a special teams player who can come in and play in a pinch then be a starter as early as year two.
And Jewell should be able to last a long time in the NFL. He should have a long and productive career wherever he lands.
Look for Jewell to be a mainstay on Sundays next fall. He will follow the likes of former Iowa defenders Chad Greenway and Micah Hyde and have a similar career. He’s got the heart to play strong and the smarts to last a long time in the league. And coming from the Iowa football program, he’s got what it takes to make it in the NFL.