"Essentially a one year starter after coming back from injuries, who ought to be the first off the bus. Versatility, speed, certainly show up but so does his lack of power and finish"
Strengths:
Long, rocked up, edge presence with linear speed and versatility. Long armed and flashes ability to hold the edge.
Good initial upfield quickness. Comfortable in space, can drop, range and break down in the open field. Has a killer quick footed inside crossover.
At 6'5 262 Lewis is athletic enough to play off ball LB. Burrow isn't the most challenging of targets but still, Lewis comfortably breaks down in space here.
Weaknesses:
Struggles to shed. Power nullifies his rush. Not a great finisher. Can get a little clunky in space. Doesn't run through targets and often comes up short of the mark.
Durability concerns after significant injuries to his shoulder and knee wiped out consecutive seasons. Has some fat potential.
On a couple of plays here, Lewis is rudely popped back at the poa, and then pushed wide of the QB with just an arm by JR OT Austin Deculus.
Overall:
Lewis is exactly how you draw up an edge defender. He's twitchy with good initial quickness and foot speed. Tremendous wingspan and he generally anchors up well at the point.
Downside is that he struggles to finish through contact. He's hung up on blocks too often and doesn't manipulate leverage on his rush like he does when holding the point.
When he's flashed the ability to get under OTs on his rush he's basically too much to handle. But his contact balance is still shaky.
He's essentially just a one year starter due to injuries and carries a wealth of upside if he can stay out of the trainer's room and master technique.