With the 11th Pick of the 2014 NFL Draft, The Titans Select: Taylor Lewan
- Updated: May 8, 2014
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.
Taylor Lewan taken at eleventh overall by Tennessee.
Why This Works: This is an economical pick for the Titans who are meandering in “no man’s land”. The logical pick is to go offensive lineman and scoop up Lewan, and plug him in where need be.
Draft Grade: B- The pick is rather unimaginative and the Titans could have addressed more pertinent needs such as a cornerback or possibly even a quarterback. Instead, the Titans took the best player on the board per say, opposed to the best player for them.
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