Taylor Lewan, Ot-Michigan - Scouting Report Nfl.com

[g-dawg]

Taylor Lewan, OT-Michigan

6'7", 309lbs

33 7/8" arms

9 1/4" hands

Grade: 6.18 = Should become an instant starter

OVERVIEW

Started 48 of 50 games played at Michigan. 2013: Second Team All-American. First team All-Big Ten. Started all 13 games at LT. 2012: First Team All-American. First Team All-Big Ten. Became first Michigan offensive lineman to score a TD vs UMass (fumble recovery) since 1948. Started all 13 games at LT. 2011: Second Team All-Big Ten. Started all 13 games at LT. 2010: Played in 11 games, starting nine at LT. 2009: Redshirted. High School: Played offensive line for the first time as a senior after playing defensive end prior. Misc: Was not arrested or charged, but was interviewed by police after an Ohio State fan said he was assaulted by Lewan outside a downtown Ann Arbor restaurant on Nov. 30, 2013. Incident is under investigation.

ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS

Accomplished, four-year starter vs. Big Ten competition. Clean kickslide in pass protection. Good knee bend, footwork and recovery quickness to handle outside speed and inside counters. Very good balance -- is seldom on the ground. Is quick climbing to the second level to reach linebackers. Plays with intensity and the game is very important to him. Tough and very durable.

WEAKNESSES

Is not a gritty, physical finisher. Has a lean lower body and does not explode on contact. Can be inverted by power and does not carry a load in his hands. Could do a better job recognizing and adjusting to the outside blitz. Quirky personality that can be easily misunderstood.

BOTTOM LINE

An experienced, finesse left tackle with the length, agility and temperament to hold down a starting job for a long time. Is nuanced in pass protection and would fit best in a slide-lateral movement, bucket-stepping, zone-based blocking scheme. Similar in mold to Patriots 2011 17th overall selection Nate Solder.