Joel Iyiegbuniwe NFL Draft 2018: Scouting Report for Chicago Bears' Pick

POSITIVES

—Athletic with easy movements in space.

—Natural ability to bend and attack with good closing speed.

—Has the feet and hips to drop into zone coverage and can find the ball well when facing the quarterback.

—Super productive with 11.5 tackles for loss and first-team All-Conference USA honors in 2017.

—Can make splash plays in space thanks to burst and closing speed; has impressive range.

NEGATIVES

—Undersized at 6'1", 229 lbs and lacks play strength.

—Can be late to read and react and gets caught behind the play.

—Has long arms (32 ⅝") and big hands (10 ¼") but doesn't use them to keep blockers off him or shed.

—Junior entry to the 2017 draft hasn't seen much top-tier competition.

—Lacks the size or strength to consistently stay free and clean to use his athleticism to make plays.

OVERALL

Joel Iyiegbuniwe has traits to warrant consideration as a late-rounder but is more of a developmental prospect who likely would need to work his way onto the roster as a sub-package 'backer and special teams performer.

GRADE: 5.30 (Priority Free Agent)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Matt Milano, Buffalo Bills