Scouting Report: Lewis has good size, and is built more like a safety than a linebacker with long lean limbs and narrow waist. In terms of his skill set, Lewis is the most complete linebacker in the draft. He does a great job diagnosing the play, and if it's a run, break on the ball, clear through traffic and clear out the ball carrier. On a pass play, he keeps his butt low and does a really nice job in coverage. This is due in large part to his athleticism and speed. Lewis is also an excellent blitzer and is used a lot on run blitzes which accounts for some of his gawdy statistics. Compared to a player like say Sean Weatherspoon from Missouri, Lewis does not have the seasoning or experience that Spoon does. But on the other hand, Lewis is much faster and more athletic and able to do many more things on the field. If there's a knock on Lewis other than his lack of experience, it's in terms of his bulk and strength. He's very fit, but doesn't look to be a real big physical guy and you see that sometimes when teams run right at him. He wants to work around blockers rather than through them, and if you guess wrong you are chasing the play. Lewis is also pretty raw even with 2 years as a starter and there are just a lot of the finer points of things like man coverage, and blitzes that he can improve on.
Draft Status Lewis is only a redshirt sophomore but he may jump off the Sooners if he views it as a sinking ship. He's almost certainly one of the top two pure 4-3 OLBs in the draft, and if he can have a great offseason workout, could end up being the first linebacker off the board not named Rolando McClain. I'd say should he declare and run the way most think he will(in the 4.4 range) he's almost assured of a first round pick.
Final Analysis Lewis exploded on the scene as a Freshman. He showed his versitility but amassing not only great tackle numbers which you'd expect but TFL's, sacks, passes defended, quarterback hurries and interceptions. 3 down linebackers are a great luxury in the NFL, and along with his athleticism and tremendous potential his ability to stay on the field in passing situations makes him very valuable. And if he can play 8 pounds heavier without giving up his speed, he'd be even better off.
Reminds me of: Jon Beason, LB Carolina Panthers-Both guys are a little undersized and both very explosive athletes. Lewis like Beason looks to be a a 3 down backer who can defend the run and the pass equally well.
