Pittsburgh Steelers Film Room: Linebacker Josey Jewell

The Positive Traits

Josey Jewell comes from a Big Ten Iowa school that loves hard-nosed linebackers. He did not disappoint as he racked up over 400 tackles and was a leader of the defense for three years as a starter.

Jewell is different from the other linebackers profiled, so far, in that he lacks any semblance of elite speed. He will not burn anyone but he has enough speed to be a successful linebacker.

His tackling is his absolute best attribute. Watching his tape, if you want to find him just look for the ball and you will almost always see a white or black number 43 jersey emerge from the pile.

Jewell has the instincts teams covet in an inside linebacker. His ability to dissect plays and attack is second to none.

Jewell can scrape down the line and fill the gap to meet a ball carrier with the best of them. I love his natural ability to lead his team and lead them by example.

His intensity and instincts help him overcome not having an elite speed or size attribute to him. He makes up for not having the elite speed by taking good angles and tracking the ball extremely well.

His coverage ability is less than the others but he does show enough to hang with running backs or tight ends. Faster and more athletic backs and tight ends will give him trouble but he showed he can hold his own.