Chicago Bears make puzzling fourth-round selection in LB Joel Iyiegbuniwe
Here’s some instant reaction to the Chicago Bears taking versatile Western Kentucky linebacker Joel Iyiebuniwe in the fourth round.
The Chicago Bears made their fourth-round selection in Western Kentucky linebacker Joel Iyiegbuniwe, a versatile athletic player that has a lot of intrigue for the Bears’ defense.
Iyiebuniwe is a small linebacker at 6-1, 229 pounds that ran a 4.6 at the NFL combine and bench pressed 19 reps. He’s an athletic linebacker with speed and range. Western Kentucky used Iyiebuniwe inside at linebacker and occasionally used his speed and athleticism on the outside to blitz the quarterback.
More from Da Windy City
- Juan Soto appears headed to the Yankees which is not a big blow Chicago Cubs offseason
- 3 takeaways from Chicago Blackhawks shootout loss to Nashville
- Chicago Cubs in the middle of chaos that is Shohei Ohtani’s free agency
- The Chicago Cubs are on a roller coaster of emotions chasing Shohei Ohtani
- Chicago Bears quietly compiling list of head coaching candidates
However, this pick at No. 115 overall is very questionable one for many reasons. Specifically, the pink elephant in the room is that the Bears are very thin at edge rusher. And he does not seem to fit that need.
Iyiebuniwe has rushed off the edge for Western Kentucky at times, but he really projects at inside linebacker. The Bears possibly could be looking at Iyiebuniwe as a hybrid type player that can lineup anywhere depending on the matchup and situation.
However, there were other edge rush options on the board. Notably, Dorance Armstrong from Kansas who went a pick after the Bears selection to the Dallas Cowboys. Josh Sweat out of Florida State was also on the board but went to the Philadelphia Eagles at pick No. 130.
Next: Biggest Day 3 needs for Bears
Iyiebuniwe has some upside as a pass rusher, but I fully expect the Bears to use him mainly at inside linebacker. I also fully expect him to contribute immediately on special teams.
The Bears still have a need at edge rush, but they obviously showing a lot of faith in Leonard Floyd and Aaron Lynch to stay healthy throughout the season.