If your favorite NFL team is looking for an offensive line prospect who has been tested by some of the best defensive lineman in the country, TCU’s Cordel Iwuagwu may just be the man for the job.
One of the more underrated blockers in the 2020 NFL draft class, Iwuagwu recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his experience at the NFL Scouting Combine, how playing for the Horned Frogs prepared him for what’s next, and what kind of impact he’ll have at the next level.
JM: You’re an experienced starting offensive linemen. You played a lot of football at TCU, and you really were one of the leaders on that offensive line. How does that experience serve you well going forward?
CI: I feel like I’ve seen it all from an experience standpoint. There isn’t too much that can surprise me honestly. I’ve seen it all before. You’re not gonna surprise me at the next level.
JM: Where are you health-wise right now?
CI: I feel great. I’ve been medically cleared to move forward. It’s all systems go right now.
JML: What do you enjoy about playing on the offensive line?
CI: I love protecting my guys. I can deliver some blows and create space for our offense to play at a high level. I’m just trying to help my team win games in any way possible. That’s what I enjoy. I’m into the X’s and O’s. I love figuring out how to overcome the challenges we have in front of us and how to combat different people.
JM: Is there a scheme that you prefer to play in at the next level?
CI: I’ve primarily played in the spread, but I’m comfortable playing in any scheme, really.
JM: How do you handle speed differently from power?
CI: In my opinion, you have to get off the ball when it comes to speed. It’s very important. You have to be able to match speed with speed basically. You can’t overstep speed. It’s a fine line. You have to get outta your stance as fast as you can. You have to keep your feet moving and you have to combat them with your hands. There’s no lunging involved. You can’t come off the ball late. All of those missteps are just quick ways to lose that rep.
With power, it’s a little similar. You have to match power with power. When they deliver a blow, you have to deliver a blow back. You have to use your hips and make sure that you’re sinking properly. You have to keep your head on the block. You still have to get off the ball. It’s not as important as it is with speed, but you still have to get off the ball. It helps you in both situations.
JM: What was your experience like at the NFL Scouting Combine?
CI: It was a great experience. It was great to be around the guys. Everyone there had the tools necessary to go on and be successful. That’s the biggest collection of talent I’ve ever been around. It was great to pick each other’s brains. We discussed different defenders we’ve gone up against. We talked about the schemes we’ve played in. Everybody was so friendly and eager to learn. Everybody was very supportive. It was a great experience.
JM: Did you have any formal or informal interviews out there?
CI: I had a lot of informals. I took care of most of my formals at the Shrine Bowl. I met with the Chicago Bears, Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers at the Shrine Bowl. That’s just off the top of my head. I met with a lot of teams.
JM: Do you have any private visits or workouts lined up, or is all that occurring after the pro day?
CI: It’s all going down after the pro day. I have some lined up already. Our pro day is March 27th. The Tennessee Titans are coming down here the day after the pro day to work out our offensive linemen and I’m included in that. We have four seniors so the Titans will be down here working with us as a group. I’ll start taking my visits after that.
JM: What was the strangest question you were asked at the combine?
CI: The Green Bay Packers asked me if I could tell them a joke on the spot. I froze up (laughs). I could not tell them a joke. They told me it had to be funny, too (laughs). I flat out choked.
JM: That’s honestly one of the funniest combine stories I’ve ever heard. What was their reaction?
CI: They all busted out laughing at my silence. They told me the next time they see me, I better have a joke ready for them. They told me the joke was the most important part of the interview (laughs).
JM: Who are some of the best pass rushers you’ve ever gone up against?
CI: L.J. Collier from TCU. Ben Banogu from TCU. Ross Blacklock from TCU. Are you seeing a theme yet? (laughs). My own teammates were the greatest. Neville Gallimore from Oklahoma was great, as well. Iowa State had a solid nose tackle last year. I can’t remember his name.
JM: That’s a lot of love for your own teammates.
CI: My guys made me better. We went at each other every day. I’m forever thankful for those guys.
JM: What’s your favorite way to demoralize your opponent?
CI: I never back down from anything. If I’m beating him on every rep, he’s gonna start to feel demoralized rather quickly. It doesn’t matter what he does after the play. I’m just trying to do my job to the best of my ability.
JM: What kind of player is Cordel Iwuagwu going to be at the next level?
CI: They’re getting a physical, accountable guy. I’m a leader first and foremost. It doesn’t matter if I play right away or not. I can sit back and learn if that’s what they deem necessary. I’m happy to soak it all in. I’m gonna give it my best during every day at practice.
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