2018 Cardinals Draft Profile

Name: Josey Jewell

Twitter: @josey_jewell

Position: Linebacker

School: Iowa

Height: 6-foot-1

Weight: 235 lbs

Projected: 3rd-4th

Stats:

Bio:

Josey Jewell is not built like a prototypical linebacker. However, he played four seasons for Iowa and was a tackling machine. Jewell finished his career with 433 total tackles, 10 sacks, and six interceptions. Named second team All-Big 10 in his sophomore and junior seasons, he added a finalist spot for the nation’s best linebacker. In 2017 Jewell was voted first team All-American and first team all-conference. Jewell was not a highly recruited player coming out of high school. He ended up rewarding the Hawkeyes for their faith in him with stellar play over four seasons.

Team Fit:

With the Cardinals moving to a 4-3 base defense, the linebacker unit is looking a bit thin. Pass rushing linebackers Chandler Jones and Markus Golden are likely being moved to the end spots to get pressure on the quarterback. That leaves just Deone Bucannon and Haason Reddick as the only linebackers with significant starting experience. Jewell would likely compete for a spot in the starting lineup while offering solid depth. The former Hawkeye is a tackling machine and reminds many of a young Sean Lee, inside linebacker for the Cowboys. If available in the fourth round or later, the Cardinals would be wise to select Jewell and expect him to find his way on the field to contribute.

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Strengths:

Great at reading and breaking down the play. Eyes work fast and quickly reacts to the football. Coaches have testified to being a film junkie and recognizes formations and blocking schemes. Recovers well from play-action and misdirection plays. Rarely misses a tackle, often swallows up ball carrier. Technically sound player whose patience allows him to be in the right position to make a play. Solid run defender out the gates for the team that selects him. Uses hands well to play off blocks. Shows an understanding of screens and often sniffs them out. Plays above average zone coverage and squeezes routes underneath. Very high motor on every play.

Weaknesses:

Average athlete without length or loose hips. Will struggle to keep up with speedy running backs and tight ends. Will need to get better in tighter spaces to mirror running backs and tight ends. Will need to learn to slip and avoid blocks rather than taking them head on. Larger blockers often overwhelm him. Often struggles to get initial depth on drops and is not fluid in transitioning in man coverage. Gets lost behind the line searching for the football. Not a talented pass rusher, relies on hard work to get to passer.

– Ryan Adverderada is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Cardinals. Like and follow on Follow @ryanadverderada Follow @Cardinals and Facebook.