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Round Three – 97th Overall (Compensatory)
Jourdan Lewis, CB, Michigan (5-foot-10, 188 pounds)
Some fans would probably have liked to see Miami address its secondary prior to the third round, but getting a player like Jourdan Lewis at this point is a plus.
Lewis was a first-team All-American according to multiple outlets. He also was a Jim Thorpe Award finalist and was named the Big Ten Conference Defensive Back of the Year.
If he were two inches taller, he’d likely be a top 10 pick.
Reality is, he is 5-foot-10. However, he plays much bigger than that.
Lewis is very competitive and plays with that requisite “cornerback swag” that the great ones usually have. He’s not a burner (ran a 4.54 at the Combine), but he plays the game fast – being able to keep up receivers or make up ground after an early mistake.
He’s a play-maker, evident by his six interceptions. And, Lewis is versatile, having worked on special teams as both a gunner and a returner while at Michigan.
In the pass-happy NFL, it is good to have multiple defensive backs that can be solid in coverage and make plays on the ball when the opportunity presents itself.
Because of his height, Lewis may never be a true “No. 1, outside corner” that matches up with some of the league’s bigger receivers on a consistent basis. But what he can do is be a top-flight slot defender that matches up with the shifty receivers inside.
And the good thing about Lewis is that he wouldn’t be a complete liability against the run, even if he’s out there with the nickel and dime packages.
