Ranking Chicago Bears Roster: 40-36

MANHATTAN, KS - NOVEMBER 05: Defensive back Duke Shelley #8 of the Kansas State Wildcats breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Corey Coleman #1 of the Baylor Bears during the 2nd half of the game at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on November 5, 2015 in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

4 of 5

SANTA CLARA, CA -. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

37. Joel Iyiegbuniwe, LB

Last Year; 31

The drop from 31 to 37 does not seem as drastic as it may look. Maybe we are a little hype on Iggy coming out of college, maybe the Bears roster got stronger. Maybe it was a little of both, either way it is fair to say that his stock has stayed even throughout his rookie year.

The Bears were not expecting much from him on defense and did not get much. He failed to beat out Nick Kwiatkoski when snaps were up for grabs.

However, he proved to be more valuable than Kwiatkoski in the long term for two key reasons. One, because he has more speed than him. This just cannot be matched, and it is why Roquan Smith was rushed into the lineup. He also can match, or beat Kwiatkoski as a special teamer.

It will be interesting to see which of the two see the field more next season, or if the emergence of Iyiegbuniwe in year two along with the signing of Pierre-Louis make Kwiatkoski expendable. How many long last names can this team keep in a linebacker room?

Home/Chicago Bears News