Time for Denver Broncos LB Josey Jewell to shut up critics

Every player in the NFL gets criticism at some point during their career and now it is time for Denver Broncos LB Josey Jewell to shut up those critics.

Former Denver Broncos fourth-round draft pick Josey Jewell is not the fastest. He is not Devin White. He is not Devin Bush. Both of these linebackers were said to be on the team’s radar heading into the 2019 NFL Draft.

To some, not drafting a linebacker was a disappointment, but for Josey Jewell, it presented an opportunity to take full advantage of the Broncos’ trust in him to get the job done. If there is one player who can put his head down and go to work, it is Jewell.

Iowa Hawkeyes players come into the NFL with a good head on their shoulders because of their head coach Kirk Ferentz. Ferentz’s attitude has a calming effect on the players and it shows on the field.

Jewell saw significant playing time as a freshman, contributing instantly for the Hawkeyes. From day one, Jewell became one of the key players for Iowa’s defense and arguably the Hawkeyes’ most valuable defensive player. All this early playing time helped Jewell become the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2017. Denzel Ward is without question a better player/prospect; however, you do not win that award by accident.

Jewell’s intangibles at linebacker make up for his lack of long speed. His instincts will put him in the right position in zone coverage even making pass defense not a significant weakness as some think.

Add to this the smarts to relay a play to the huddle bringing the “it” factor to this Denver Broncos defense. Yes, there were times Jewell bit on play action and never recovered. In my opinion, much of that has to do with playing a solid amount day one. Yet, think about this stat for a second. Jewell started nine games for the Broncos but played in all 16. Despite only starting those nine games, Jewell managed to collect 58 total tackles (assisted or solo). That’s halfway to 100 tackles in just a small sample size. That’s very impressive.

Jewell said he sees similarities in Vic Fangio’s defensive scheme and Ferentz.

"“With how we disguise stuff, he has a lot of good zone packages. We’ve got some good man stuff disguised, and really stuff to use your brain to be able to put you in the best position and not show or give away what defense you’re in. So it’s really an all-around great defense, I think.”Jewell speaking to Andrew Mason of DenverBroncos.com and Orange & Blue 760"

The 58 tackles are not surprising though because of his intangibles, instincts, and work ethic. Pass defense is the most suspect area for Jewell, who will be tasked with covering tight ends and running backs.

One thing to remember is to never say a player is incapable of playing a position after just one season. Seriously, it was one season. People are spending more time tearing players down for their first season than seeing their potential growth over a longer period of time.

It is ridiculous and off-base to make such claims. We can say areas “player x” can be better, but do not already count him out him as an option.

Those who doubt need to take into consideration the two reasons the Denver Broncos didn’t draft Bush and White: 1). Contrary to some views by Broncos Country, Denver passed on these two because they like Jewell. 2). They had someone else in mind. That someone else is Justin Hollins.

Josey Jewell is capable of shutting up the critics and all Broncos Country needs to do is believe. It is really that simple.