Denver Broncos: Linebacker position preview and 2018 outlook

Josey Jewell, age 23

After one of the most productive careers in the rich history of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Josey Jewell became a fourth-round draft pick of the Denver Broncos in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Many of the writers here at Predominantly Orange had been pounding the table for Jewell since the beginning of the 2017 college football season.

Jewell, in so many ways, is exactly what you want at the inside linebacker position.

Despite not running a 4.5-second 40-yard dash, Jewell has the ability to diagnose plays before the snap and adjust accordingly. He’s also very strong in coverage despite his lack of long speed and has some of the best instincts I’ve seen from a young linebacker.

The Broncos absolutely stole this player in the 2018 NFL Draft.

When you talk about football IQ and leadership traits, Jewell has them in spades.

He will eventually become a starter for the Broncos, but should still play at least 50 percent of the defensive snaps in 2018.

He’s got great range and can make plays behind the line of scrimmage as well as sideline to sideline. This guy is a playmaker and difference maker.