From now until the 2019 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
#20 Drew Lewis/ILB Colorado – 6’2/2 225
The Good
– Smooth, fluid athlete with good change of direction ability in zone coverage
– Comfortable and works well in space, asked to play over #2, work as overhang defender and middle hole player in Cover 2, gets depth
– Flows well to defend perimeter run game, able to scrape over the top, and does a nice job setting the edge when asked
– Experience in a 3-4 scheme
– Desire to be physical and bump around in the run game
– Times the snap well and shoots gap, able to blow plays up in the backfield with his speed and athleticism
– Plays inside/out in the run game, takes good angles and has range to chase ball across the field
– Good run fits overall, doesn’t intentionally lose his gap
– Shows strength and does nice job to reroute receivers as underneath zone defender, doesn’t offer free releases through his window
– Tested very well in Pro Day workout
– Strong NFL bloodlines and comes from athletic family
– Decent starting experience
The Bad
– Thin frame and on the small side
– Gets stuck on blocks in the run game, underdeveloped hand use to work off and causes him to be washed and worked out of his gap
– Will go quiet in the run game, doesn’t always make an impact
– Struggles as a pass rusher, has no move/plan, and will only win if he’s schemed for free rush up the middle
– Can have difficulty reading his keys and get suckered in by playaction, must do better job of reading hat of the OT/OL than the QB/RB
– Lacked production and limited amount of high-impact plays
– Off the field questions that need to be answered
Bio
– Two year starter for the Buffs, 24 total games
– Career: 167 tackles, 12 TFL, five sacks, 1 INT
– 2018: 60 tackles, 5.