College:
Ohio State
Measurables:
Height: 6’3” / Weight: 269 pounds / Age: 23
40 Time: 4.69 (Pro Day) / Bench Reps: 24 (Pro Day) / Vertical Jump: 35.5 / Broad Jump: 122 / 20 Yard Shuttle: 4.34 (Pro Day) / 3 Cone Drill: 7.20
Stats:
44 Games / 63 Solo Tackles / 112 Total Tackles / 37.0 Tackles For a Loss / 23.5 Sacks / 5 Pass Deflections / 5 Forced Fumbles
Strengths:
Explosion/ Get Off
The first aspect of Lewis’ game that you notice is his explosion off the line. At the combine, his vertical jump and broad jump measured among tops in the class. On tape its fairly evident as well as he constantly beat future NFL prospects like Nick Bosa and DreMont Jones off the line. This trait bodes well for Lewis’ future as a pass rusher as it is a very good base to build upon. If Lewis can be more consistent with his pass rush moves, he could be a deadly pass rusher with his explosion off the line.
Versatility
Similar to fan favorite and former Buckeye John Simon, Lewis has the versatility to line up all across the defensive line to exploit mismatches. In his first two seasons at Ohio State, Lewis mostly lined up as an edge rusher and was fairly productive from that spot. This last season Lewis was moved all across the line, lining up as a nose tackle over the center even at times. This ability to move across the line will be big for Lewis this season as he looks to get playing time in the deep defensive line. Defensive Coordinator Matt Eberflus will have a lot of fun figuring out where to play Lewis this upcoming season due to his multi position versatility.
Potential
I know this is a very broad category for any young player, but Tyquan Lewis does flash a load of potential to be a star. He already has the explosion that is needed to be a top tier pass rusher. Along with that, Lewis does flash some very good hand usage and pretty good bend around the edge for a player of his size. There were times at Ohio State that he looked like the best pass rusher on the team. The big question is if he can put all these flashes together and be more consistent. Lewis has all the ability to be a top pass rusher in today’s NFL if the Colts defensive staff can help him develop his game and refine his skills.
Weaknesses:
Lateral Quickness
Lewis tested as an excellent athlete at both the combine and at his pro day. The only real concern I had when watching his tape was his movement in space. I don’t really see a great lateral athlete and that does cause him to miss some tackles in space. At Ohio State, opposing teams would often isolate him when running the read option and make him be the defender who has to tackle in space and he really struggled with that. Although it isn’t a major flaw, I do think this limitation could prevent Lewis from ever being a stellar run defender.
Pass Rush Plan
The biggest concern I have when watching Lewis is his plan of attack as a pass rusher. Like I said above, he flashes a lot of potential and every now and then does perform an excellent pass rush move to evade whoever is blocking him. The problem is that its not consistent enough. There are a lot of reps where Lewis comes off the line with no real plan and that leads to blockers taking him out of the play. For Lewis to really develop and become a staple on this team he must have more consistency as a rusher and develop a plan of attack when rushing.
Pro Comparisons For Lewis:
Next Adrian Clayborn? Scouting Tyquan Lewis: https://t.co/T5TyfH8DRX
— Chris “Cap” Rogers (@Cap_TNDO) April 28, 2018
Ohio State’s Jalyn Holmes and Tyquan Lewis will have some added value by being able to rush off the edge or kicked in at 3tech in subpackages... Both win here at 3T (also never seen 4 defenders meet at QB like this)..
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) April 22, 2018
Lewis reminds me of Brandon Graham in flashes... pic.twitter.com/CfqeyM2dPU
OSU DE Tyquan Lewis reminds me a lot of William Hayes. 3rd rounder.
— BrianCat (@BrianCat13) April 11, 2018
Overall:
Overall I think Lewis brings a lot of potential and versatility to the Colts’ front. He’s very explosive off the snap and flashes some decent bend on the outside and quickness when shooting gaps. I do think he will greatly benefit from being more of a utility man his first year on this deep defensive line. I also like that he can learn from former Buckeye John Simon as they are quite similar players who can be deployed in similar ways. In conclusion, Defensive Coordinator Matt Eberflus will have plenty of fun moving Tyquan Lewis around the defensive front, exploiting mismatches with his rare explosion and potential. Once he develops more as a pass rusher, the Colts may have a real player on their hands here.