Tag: Damien Lewis

2020 NFL Draft player comps that matter: Silver screen edition

Hollywood gets football right. From “The Program” to “Rudy” football movies inspire. What comparisons be found in the 2020 NFL Draft?

Player comparisons are an inevitability in every draft evaluation process. Some find them useful, others think they’re useless. But they give people a good general thumbnail of a prospect’s traits and attributes.

That said, we’re going a bit outside the box with these comparisons. Here, we align 2020 draft prospects with their fictional football doppelgangers.

Joe Burrow: Jonathan Moxon, Varsity Blues

(Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports)

Joe Burrow is regarded by most as the complete quarterback in this draft class, and almost a lock to be the first player drafted when the NFL Draft begins.

Jonathan Moxon, however, was a backup. The caddy to Lance Harbor, the All-State quarterback with a scholarship waiting for him at Florida State. While Harbor was throwing touchdown passes all over the field for the West Canaan Coyotes and making the student body swoon with interesting pep rally speeches, Moxon was waiting on the sidelines, reading “Slaughterhouse-Five” instead of his playbook on Friday nights.

But when Harbor goes down due to a brutal knee injury, Moxon gets his chance. One of the things he installs in the new Coyotes offense in the movie’s critical final game – an offense he tried to install earlier, much to the chagrin of old school coach Bud Kilmer – is Mississippi Valley State’s “Oop-de-oop” offense. A five-receiver system that as Moxon points out, has MVS averaging over 44 points per game. Of course, it leads to Kilmer delivering a rather amazing comparison in this clip (which, by the way, is not exactly safe for work, but since you are likely working from home, just make sure the kids are in another room):

Now, it is important to remember for this comparison not that Burrow was an afterthought in the Ohio State quarterback room, which led to his transfer to LSU, but rather the offense that Burrow ran last season. Under Joe Brady, the LSU Tigers were predominantly a five-man protection scheme. Very similar, in that regard, to that vaunted Mississippi Valley State offense. That made Burrow responsible for the sixth man in any potential defensive pressure scheme. What does that look like on film?

That is going to have Burrow ready for whatever he will face in the pros.

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2020 NFL Draft: Houston Texans team preview

Everything Houston Texans fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft

Everything Houston Texans fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

VITALS

Head Coach: Bill O’Brien

General Manager: Bill O’Brien

2019 Record: 10-6

2020 DRAFT PICKS

2 (40)

3 (97)

4 (111)

5 (171)

7 (240)

7 (248)

7 (250)

TEAM NEEDS

Wide Receiver

Despite the fact that the Texans added Brandin Cooks and Randall Cobb, wide receiver is still a top need for Houston. The loss of DeAndre Hopkins will leave a huge void for this team. Cooks has had issues with staying on the field in recent years despite being traded multiple times for top picks. The team needs to find a dependable target for Deshaun Watson. Especially when you consider both Cobb and Cooks have had issues staying on the field over the years.

Offensive Line

Protecting Watson should be a priority. Much the reason why the Texans traded for Laremi Tunsil, but the right side of the line needs some attention. Watson has been sacked 106 times over the past two seasons, far too many for Houston’s franchise quarterback. Upgrading either guard is one spot in particular.

Secondary

It was clear that the current secondary wasn’t up to the task in 2019. A team that ranked near the bottom in interceptions should look to find upgrades at cornerback or safety. Houston picked up two former first-round selections at corner, but if they can upgrade the position, it can only help out the team.

TOP TARGETS

Tee Higgins | WR | Clemson

Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU

Brandon Aiyuk | WR | Arizona State

Jeff Gladney | CB | TCU

Trevon Diggs | CB | Alabama

Damien Lewis | OL | LSU

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PFF sends Bills OL, CB in 3-round mock (2020 NFL Draft)

Buffalo Bills select Damien Lewis, Cameron Dantzler in latest 2020 NFL Draft mock.

Louisiana State Tigers offensive lineman Damien Lewis. Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

The Bills don’t have many, if any, holes in their roster heading into the 2020 NFL Draft. That gives Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane a luxury.

Beane and the Bills can take the best player on their draft board when their first selection at No. 54 overall in the second round rolls around. Pro Football Focus‘ latest three-round mock draft reflects just that.

While offensive line isn’t a big need at all for the Bills, LSU’s Damien Lewis is the pick for Buffalo first:

54. BUFFALO BILLS — IOL DAMIEN LEWIS, LSU
The Bills have one of the more complete rosters in the NFL but could still stand to upgrade at right guard. Enter Lewis, who bullied his way to an 82.3 run-blocking grade last season.

Lewis is a realistic pick for the Bills, seeing as they reportedly had a pre-draft meeting with him. Draft analysts see a better run blocker in the 6-foot-2, 327-pound prospect than pass blocker, but in a situation with the Bills, he could be given time to develop that craft. Buffalo is returning their entire starting offensive line next season, so Lewis would be an option for the future.

While perhaps a potential long-term option, there is some positive praise for Lewis’s outlook. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein predicts that Lewis “should outperform his draft slotting.”

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Why LSU guard Damien Lewis is good fit for Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks are a run-heavy, zone blocking offensive team, and LSU’s Damien Lewis is potentially the perfect fit at right guard.

The Seattle Seahawks made a point in free agency to bring in a new crop of offensive linemen, signing four new free agents while Germain Ifedi (Bears) and George Fant (Jets) signed elsewhere.

With Mike Iupati likely gone, and Justin Britt a potential cap casualty, this team may not be done shuffling things around in the trenches.

While the most pressing need is on the defensive line, the Seahawks will have their eye out for some big, run-blocking offensive linemen to pursue in the 2020 NFL draft, which is coming up in just two weeks.

One name to keep an eye on in LSU right guard Damien Lewis.

Lewis was second team All-SEC as a senior at LSU, helping the unit win the Joe Moore Award as the best OL in the country. He is a hulking presence who is known for his ability to move defenders backwards as a power run blocker.

Described as “a forklift dressed as a right guard” by NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein, Lewis would be an immediate fit on Seattle’s run-heavy offensive front, especially in zone blocking schemes.

However, Lewis is slow and heavy-footed in pass protection, and his lack of length limits him to just playing right guard at the next level, and really only in specific offensive sets.

That could work for the Seahawks though, especially if they decide to cut D.J. Fluker to save room against the salary cap.

Lewis could easily outperform his current draft stock, which has him as a third rounder in most mocks. He’d have his work cut out for him in Seattle’s crowded o-line room, but his skill set matches what the Seahawks need up front, and he’s a worthwhile selection on Day 2 of the NFL draft.

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2020 NFL mock draft: Panthers pick LSU offensive lineman in third round

2020 NFL mock draft: Panthers pick LSU offensive lineman Damien Lewis at No. 69 overall.

The 2020 NFL draft is deep at cornerback and there are a few blue-chip defensive prospects the Panthers should have their eye on. However, at some point they’re going to need to address the big hole in the interior of their offensive line. With Greg Van Roten going to the Jets, the team needs to find a starting-level replacement at left guard.

When they do, it should come as no surprise if they pick a prospect who has previous experience with offensive coordinator Joe Brady. In the third round of Luke Easterling’s latest 2020 mock draft, the Panthers pick LSU’s Damien Lewis at No. 69 overall.

Lewis (6-foot-2, 329 pounds) is part of an absolutely loaded Tigers draft class. He has a thick build and a whole lot of power. He’ll need to work on his awareness in pass sets, but there’s plenty of potential there and he could thrive in the right scheme.

One potential problem is that in college Lewis played right guard and John Miller will be taking over for Trai Turner at that spot. Transitioning to the other side of center might add a bit to his pro learning curve. His familiarity with Brady should mitigate at least some of that awkwardness, though.

Let’s take a look at his LSU tape.

Lewis vs. Alabama

Lewis vs. Texas

Lewis vs. Auburn

If the Panthers aren’t sold on Lewis, they might try to target LSU center Lloyd Cushenberry instead. The problem there is that he probably won’t be on the board by the time they pick at No. 38 overall in round two. Unless they trade down from No. 7 (they should) he’ll likely be out of their range.

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2020 NFL draft: Damien Lewis scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about LSU offensive line prospect Damien Lewis

Damien Lewis | OL | Louisiana State

Elevator Pitch

Lewis is a road grader at the offensive guard position. He clears paths in the run game. However, he is very limited in pass protection. With the right blocking scheme, Lewis could be a good piece for a team that believes in establishing the run.

Vitals

Height | 6-2

Weight | 327

Class | Senior

College Stats

College Bio

Strengths

Road grader, bulldozer. Whatever term you want to use here, Damien Lewis is a path clearer in the run game. His size and brute strength allows him to blow defensive lineman off the ball at the point of attack. He will get the second level looking to plow the first linebacker or defensive back that he can set his sights on. Defenders would do well to avoid him if at all possible.

Given his strength, bull rushers will have a hard time gaining any traction against Lewis. When he can’t hold off the rush, does a good job of dropping his anchor to stonewall any attempts to get through him to get to the quarterback. He will maul defenders and wide gaps for ball carriers to get through.

Weaknesses

Limited athlete in space. While his calling card is run blocking, pass blocking is on the other end of the spectrum. He lacks the lateral quickness and footwork to deal with stunts, twists and speed rushers. Teams will need to allocate help to his side at times.

Technique with his pass sets and hand placement are lacking. His hand placement can be a bit wide at times. Needs to narrow that aspect of his game. Fixing his technique will help alleviate some of the issues for Lewis. Needs to be quicker with his footwork.

Projection: Day 2

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Bills have pre-draft meeting with OL Damien Lewis

With plenty of late-round pick available, LSU’s Damien Lewis could fit that mold and he’s reportedly on Buffalo’s radar.

The Bills have plenty of potential starting pieces on their offensive line, and even some that will end up in depth slots. But Buffalo could still stand to add a youthful project piece at the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft.

With plenty of late-round picks in their pocket, LSU’s Damien Lewis could fit that mold and he’s reportedly on Buffalo’s radar. Per Draft Wire, the Bills were among teams to have a pre-draft meeting with Lewis:

Lewis could end up being as a high as a third-round pick, but some expect him to be a Day 3 selection. Draft analysts see a better run blocker in the 6-foot-2, 327-pound prospect than pass blocker, but in a situation with the Bills, he could be given time to develop that craft. Buffalo is returning their entire starting offensive line next season.

While perhaps a potential long-term option, there is some positive praise for Lewis’s outlook. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein predicts that Lewis “should outperform his draft slotting.”

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Chiefs have recently used FaceTime to meet with several draft prospects

The Kansas City Chiefs are still connecting with prospects ahead of the draft despite changes due to the coronavirus pandemic.

With the coronavirus pandemic throwing a wrench into planned top-30 visits the Kansas City Chiefs have had to improvise. The Chiefs and many other teams have turned to video meetings with prospects using FaceTime or other applications at the instruction of the NFL.

Because of the new system in 2020, teams are no longer limited to 30 players. They’re allowed to interact with a prospect by phone or computer, up to three times per week for an hour at a time. While they don’t have limits on the number of prospects they can contact, don’t expect teams to go through and contact every prospect.

Kansas City has been active in this new system, speaking with several players. Justin Melo of Draft Wire reports that recently the Chiefs had FaceTime meetings with LSU guard Damien Lewis and Minnesota safety Antoine Winfield Jr.

Lewis is a player that I figure to be a bit of a riser in weak interior offensive line class. He had a really good performance against an impressive crop of talent at the Senior Bowl. He was pancaking guys in pass protection on the regular and bowling players over as a run blocker. For a big man, he can move in space quite well too. Andy Reid would definitely like to feature him as a blocker in the screen game.

Don’t rule out Lewis as a target for the Chiefs in the second or third round.

Winfield Jr. is an interesting player. Obviously, there is a certain pedigree there, as his father played cornerback for the Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings. He’s a fit in Kansas City given his incredible versatility, but he only has one season of consistent production. Also, he has some medical history that teams won’t be able to check up on beyond the combine medical checks. That could impact his draft stock, but it’s hard to say for certain.

Many believe that Winfield Jr. could be the first safety selected in the 2020 NFL draft. If the Chiefs want him, it’ll probably have to happen at pick No. 32. I’m not even certain he lasts that long, but you won’t find me complaining about selecting him at that spot if he’s available.

Colts have contacted LSU OL Damien Lewis

Colts had a FaceTime interview with OL Damien Lewis.

The Indianapolis Colts have to find different ways to contact some of the prospects in the 2020 NFL draft because of the restrictions amid the coronavirus outbreak, which includes them reverting to using FaceTime for interviews and contact points.

As the Colts prepare for the draft, which is still scheduled to begin on April 23, there is a chance they will use one of their seven picks on an interior offensive lineman. Because of the depth needed there, Indy could be looking to beef up the interior.

Among the targets on their board might be LSU guard Damien Lewis, who had a FaceTime interview with the team, per Justin Melo of Draft Wire.

The Colts aren’t allowed to have visits because of the outbreak going around the country. Most of these interviews are likely just to get a face to face talk with these prospects and while it makes it difficult not having them in the room, this is a way to get in contact.

Lewis is certainly an intriguing prospect for the Colts. They would likely target him in Rounds 3–4 depending on where he is on their board, but he brings a lot of intriguing qualities to the game.

Here’s the scouting report from Lance Zierlein of NFL.com:

The run-blocking tape shows a forklift dressed as a right guard with the power and leverage to move some of the best interior defenders in the conference. The pass-blocking tape shows a heavy-footed guard who lacks length and lateral quickness to hold up if asked to block on an island. Lewis needs to play for a team heavy into gap and inside-zone concepts. He can hold his own against bull rushers but will struggle to move and recover against moving pieces in pass protection. He’s a one-position prospect who lacks height/length but he’s a plus run blocker who should outperform his draft slotting.

The Colts have a need to add depth to the interior offensive line, which means Lewis is certainly on their radar in some form.

Cardinals have been in contact with LSU OL prospect Damien Lewis

He started every game the last two seasons for LSU at right guard.

The NFL is less than a month away, unless there is an unexpected delay, and the Arizona Cardinals continue to evaluate prospects. They have six draft picks and four on Day 3.

A player they have been in contact with is LSU offensive lineman Damien Lewis.

According to Draft Wire’s Justin Melo, he had a FaceTime meeting with the Cardinals, among other teams.

After playing at a junior college, he started both years he played for LSU at right guard.

He is known as a fierce run blocker who isn’t great at pass blocking without help.

The Cardinals often draft offensive linemen on Day 3. They have selected Joshua Miles Korey Cunningham, Cole Toner, Will Holden and Evan Boehm.

Lewis could be available on Day 3. The Cardinals do love a good run blocker.

Keep an eye on his name as the Cardinals’ picks approach on Day 3 of the draft.

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Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

Ep. 262

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Ep. 261

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