“Iggy from Western Kentucky,” is how Pace referred to ILB Joel Iyiegbuniwe, the fourth-round pick (115th overall), who pronounces his first name: JO-el; and his last name: ee-yay-boo-nee-way.
“He’s a physical, fast, athletic, highly intelligent player,” Pace said. “When you turn on the tape, it just jumps out, the way he plays; just a real physical, downhill style.”
Pace had already addressed the lack of depth at inside linebacker with eighth overall selection Roquan Smith. He said adding a second player at the same position wasn’t a commentary on current starters Danny Trevathan and Nick Kwiatkoski, just a move to stoke competition and take the best player on their board.