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Daniel Jeremiah: Do not sleep on Joel Iyiegbuniwe

By Parker Hurley

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 02: NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah (L) and SiriusXM host Adam Schein attend SiriusXM at Super Bowl LII Radio Row at the Mall of America on February 2, 2018 in Bloomington, Minnesota. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 02: NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah (L) and SiriusXM host Adam Schein attend SiriusXM at Super Bowl LII Radio Row at the Mall of America on February 2, 2018 in Bloomington, Minnesota. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM) /
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Many of us have not heard of Joel Iyiegbuniwe. Daniel Jeremiah has, and he warned us to be more prepared

It is tough sledding looking for tape and information on the linebacker prospect from Western Kentucky, Joel Iyiegbuniwe. However, Daniel Jeremiah of NFL network warned us to be more prepared for him to come off of the boards earlier than expected. On April 9th, Jeremiah wrote:

"Western Kentucky’s Joel Iyiegbuniwe: Iyiegbuniwe is an undersized player with exceptional quickness and range. He makes plays sideline to sideline and explodes through the hips on contact. He has the agility to match up in man coverage with tight ends and running backs. He’s worthy of a late second- or early third-round selection."

A late second or a early third round selection. I understand the unpredictable nature of the draft. I had to read that again. Still, when you look at what Joel Iyiegbuniwe did at the combine, you can start to fully understand why the hype is here.

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Iyiegbuniwe is an explosive athlete.

He has posiiton versatility. Joel Iyiegbuniwe can play inside and he can play outside. Some see this as an issue, he is good at two things, great at nothing sort of thing. However, the nature of the NFL is changing. Versatility is key. It is a matchup league.

As mentioned by Jeremiah, Iyiegbuniwe is a player who can matchup with tight ends and running backs. With the versatility and pass catching ability of these positions, they can create real mismatches when motioned out wide. To find a speciality player only for these purposes in round four is not bad.

On top of that, there are his special teams skills. He has the speed and instincts and has been known as an asset in this regard. Overall, in round four, it sounds like the Bears made a sound selection, even though it is not hitting the immediate, pressing need that appears at edge rusher.

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