Former Hawkeye Josey Jewell embracing the "underdog" label once again

It wasn’t that long ago that most Division I college programs weren’t sold on Josey Jewell. Now one of the best linebackers in Hawkeyes history is finding himself in a similar position with NFL teams.

“They’re gonna think you’re not fast enough, maybe you’re not, side-to-side, you’re not good enough there,” the Iowa linebacker said. “Whatever, you’re not tall enough, you don’t weigh enough. There’s always questions with everybody.” 

Jewell isn’t going to be the strongest or fastest linebacker at the NFL Combine. He’s selling himself based on what he accomplished in a helmet and pads for the Hawks.
 
“It just matters what you do when you’re on the field, so whether that be your communication, your leadership or your productivity, those things are pretty huge,” Jewell said. “The mike is supposed to be the leader on the team and hopefully they can understand I can be a leader coming on to an NFL team.” 
 
NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst Rob Rang says it’s Jewell’s intangibles that could make him the foundation of a defense at the next level.

“He’s the classic Big Ten, instinctive linebacker,” Rang said. “I mean I used to make the joke that he’s got Jedi-like instincts, just close the eyes and he can still find the football. That’s exactly what he does.” 

“Your film is your body of work there that you did and it’s what you’re gonna be able to do later on,” Jewell said. 

Having to prove himself once more, Jewell is taking on the challenge of the NFL Combine just like the challenge five years ago in Iowa City. 

“I’ve gone through that adversity to coming into college ball and hopefully do it again going to the NFL… you only get one combine to come to, so just enjoy it and make the best of it,” Jewell said.
 
Jewell said teams are most concerned with his 40-yard dash time and his ability to move in space at the next level. He’s confident he’ll silence any doubters with a good performance on Sunday. 

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