Taylor Lewan | Offensive tackle | Michigan | 6'8, 302 pounds
Games watched: Notre Dame, Michigan State, Illinois, Ohio State, Nebraska, Virginia Tech
First word: Everyone knows No. 1 at Michigan is sacred. But for offensive linemen, the lore of No. 77 is growing. Currently worn by junior Taylor Lewan, No. 77 has previously been adorned by all-time great left tackles Jake Long and Jon Jansen. With his size and quickness, Lewan is beginning to live up to his jersey number. He was a second-team all-conference player as a junior and seemed to get better as the season rolled along. Going into his junior season, Lewan has started 22 games, all of them at left tackle.
Taylor Lewan 2013 NFL Draft prospect notes
Strengths:
• Is tall with long arms and an athletic build. Isn’t a slow, plodding offensive lineman. Moves off the line smoothly. Consistently gets a good jump off the line of scrimmage.
• Has quick feet to move to the outside and neutralize speed rushers at the edge.
• Good at riding defenders out wide on running plays opening up the inside. Moves well laterally. Finishes off plays.
• For a player of his height, Lewan does well keeping his pads low, particularly in the run game. Gets good leg drive.
• Keeps a good base. Maintains good balance through contact. Plays out of a two- and three-point stance.
Weaknesses:
• Struggles to pick up blitzes to the insides, especially on double moves. Has to develop a better counter to secondary moves to the inside.
• Handwork technique needs work. Lets defenders inside his pads too frequently and can get pushed around. Needs to reset his hands quicker.
• Doesn’t properly target players on the second level with any consistency. Will whiff completely trying to pick up a safety or quick linebacker.
• Needs to bend more at the knees and less at the waist.
• Far from a finished product on the field and is somewhat of a project. Was considered a disappointment as a redshirt freshman.
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