Drew Lewis – Linebacker
School: Colorado
Class: Senior
Height: 6’2
Weight: 225 pounds
Drew Lewis NFL Draft Profile
Top 3 Player Traits
Pursuit Ability
Lewis is adept at tracking down ball carriers and receivers, especially in space. Since moving from his former inside LB position to the outside, he’s excelled at reading plays as they develop and tracking the ball sideline to sideline. Seeing that he spent the majority of his time at Colorado playing inside, he should only improve in this respect going forward.
Pass Coverage
Able to drop quickly and fairly fluidly into pass coverage. Recognizes pass plays early, giving himself a head start in many cases. Once he’s in coverage, does a good job playing the ball.
Overall Athletic Ability
Lewis has what some “experts” have called “freakish” physical abilities. Those raw physical skills jump off the tape at you from time to time. From taking on/avoiding blockers to chasing down plays from behind, that natural athletic ability should have teams interested, especially given his inside/outside versatility.
3 Player Traits In Need Of Improvement
Tackling Fundamentals
Lewis is not a particularly strong wrap-up tackler. As mentioned above, he is a phenomenal athlete who makes plays all over the field. But once he gets to the ball, he needs to be better at finishing off the play (break down, fit, and make the fundamental tackle).
Staying Focused Through The Whistle
He has a tendency at times to let up once he sees a teammate making a play. He seems to concede the play once he gets the impression that someone else has things in hand.
Pursuit Angles
At least a couple times per game, Lewis will rely entirely on his athletic ability, leading to him taking poor angles on the ball. He’s a player who can make plays all over the field, but once he gets close to the ball, he needs to play more under control.
NFL Team Fits
Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati has injuries they are currently dealing with at the LB position. Add in the fact that veteran Vontaze Burfict may have finally worn out his welcome (and that’s saying something, considering the Bengals track record of sticking with questionable characters), and Cincy could very well be in the market for a versatile LB.
Los Angeles Chargers
The team had one of the best all-around rosters in the league last year. However, they finished the season with three LB’s on IR. There must be a concern in the organization about whether all of those three will return totally healthy.
NFL Player Comparison
Blake Martinez – Green Bay Packers