Based on a recent survey by ESPN, it’s clear that Tennessee Titans left tackle Taylor Lewan is respected as one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL.
Lewan, who suffered a torn ACL last season, forcing him to miss the last 11 games, is respected not only for his talent, but also the edge he plays with.
Lewan landed at No. 7 on ESPN’s list of the best tackles in the NFL, which was figured out via a poll of 50 coaches, players, executives and scouts done by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Here’s Fowler’s write-up that includes some great quotes about Lewan from those involved in the survey.
Lewan is another top-10 tackle who missed significant time due to a knee injury. Tennessee missed him after he tore his ACL five games into the season. The Titans’ offensive sack rate jumped from 2.8% to 5.4% in his absence, with the team’s pass block win rate dipping from 54.7 to 52.3%.
“He’s hurt but still so good that he’s gotta be on there,” an NFC exec said. “There’s not really anyone like him.”
As in, he brings his own edge to the field.
“He’s a nasty player,” an NFL offensive line coach said. “Will do all the extra s— to piss people off. I think he gets in people’s heads more than anything. Long individual who plays with a motor.”
According to voters, Lewan doesn’t have the natural bend of other top tackles but makes up for it in other ways. “If he puts hands on you, he can lock you out,” the coach said.
Tennessee is 9-13 in games Lewan missed since he entered the league in 2014.
Lewan ranked No. 10 on ESPN’s list last year, and was ranked as high as third this year by at least one voter.
As good as the Titans’ offensive line was last season, it stands to be even better with Lewan back — and that’s bad news for opponents, who have to stop Derrick Henry, A.J. Brown and Julio Jones.
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