Draft Profile Series: Taylor Lewan
- Updated: April 26, 2014
As we approach the deepest NFL Draft in recent memory, I’ll give my breakdown and analysis of 75 top prospects in this year’s class. At the conclusion of this series, I will include my final overall and positional rankings, as well as my mock draft.
Taylor Lewan, OT, 6-7, 310, Michigan
Key stats: Started 48 games at left tackle during his career.
Strengths: Lewan has prototypical size and is a terrific athlete, who also possesses the tough mentality that most teams will like. … Is competitive and fights through the whistle on every play. … Has good feet. … Is quick enough to get out and block defensive backs on bubble screens or running plays. … Is above average to good at both run and pass blocking. … Is durable and fights through minor injuries as he hobbled off several times in 2013 but quickly returned to action.
Weaknesses: Needs to work on anchoring against the bull rush. … At times, he gets driven back and has trouble when good ends flash speed then get into his chest. … Has small hands and sometimes struggles with hand placement and gets beat because of it. … Can be more consistent when attempting to drive block. … Had an off-field incident following Ohio State game last fall.
Conclusion: Lewan had a good senior season after being a dominating force as a junior. I think there are two main reasons for this: He had several small injuries and played at less than 100% for part of the season; and it’s also to tell how good he was in 2013 because the interior of the Wolverines’ offensive line was atrocious and plays broke down quickly. Lewan will be a good professional. … He has great measurable and played at a relatively high level against major competitions for four seasons as a starter. … How good he becomes will depend on how healthy he can stay and how much he can improve on his weaknesses.
NFL comparison: Jordan Gross/Jake Long.
Draft projection: Should be drafted between picks 5-15.
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