Alex Lewis NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Ravens Rookie

POSITIVES

The son of Nebraska legend and former NFL offensive lineman Bill Lewis, Alex earned his own stars at Nebraska while becoming an All-Big Ten performer and team captain during his 26 starts as a Cornhusker.

Lewis, who began his career at Colorado before transferring home to Nebraska, started at left tackle right out of the gate. He’s a smart player with the hand placement to shock defenders and the mentality to never lose a rep. In pass protection, Lewis has poise and balance and knows how to use his length to his advantage.

The fundamentals of the game are there for Lewis, who shows an even stance and has the anchor to squat on bull-rushers. Lewis didn’t allow a single sack in 2015, and he held opponents to 15 hurries, according to College Football Focus.

NEGATIVES

Lewis does not dominate his assignment and too often has a lackadaisical approach to his blocks. Without the quick feet needed to recover if he misses a blitz look or a hard inside rush, Lewis can struggle to protect his inside shoulder. His feet and hands are too often slow to react, and he doesn’t win with powerful punches.

Given his physical limitations, Lewis is not likely to excite teams that want to stretch the field laterally in the run or pass game. Zone-blocking schemes or anything involving read-option plays will be a struggle for Lewis.

A lack of fire will show up first when watching tape, but Lewis also struggles with read-and-react plays. A slow processor and slow feet and hands keep Lewis from projecting as a starting-caliber prospect. If that can be coached up with more reps, he has the length and body control to become a starting right tackle.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'6"

Weight: 312 lbs.

40 Time: 5.22s

Arm Length: 34"

3-Cone: 7.94s

Short Shuttle: 4.72s

PRO COMPARISON: LaAdrian Waddle, New England Patriots
FINAL GRADE: 5.70/9.00 (Round 4—Backup Caliber)