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2017 NFL Draft: Michigan Jourdan Lewis Scouting Report

By Jon Dove

Oct 10, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines cornerback Jourdan Lewis (26) celebrates with teammates after he scores a touchdown on an interception in the second quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines cornerback Jourdan Lewis (26) celebrates with teammates after he scores a touchdown on an interception in the second quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan’s Jourdan Lewis is one of several high-profile defenders on this roster who’ll get 2017 NFL Draft love.

Jourdan Lewis gets overshadowed by Jabrill Peppers but is a talented player in his own right. Lewis is a balanced and fluid athlete. He does a great job keeping in-phase with his target and limiting separation. His ability to stick to his target is thanks to his short-area quickness, fluidity and commitment to keeping his pads down.

Lewis mainly lines up in the face of the receiver and bails out as the play develops. He has enough speed to keep pace with the quicker receivers and change of direction skills to adjust to routes. His instincts and ability to identify routes also help in this area.

This is an aggressive player who doesn’t hesitate to come up and support the run. He does a good job using his suddenness to work past blockers on his way to the ball carrier. Lewis also does a good job making sound tackles when a completion is made in front of him.

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Issues start to arise when Lewis is asked to locate the ball and produce pass breakups. Too often, he allows completions down the side line in man coverage. These often feature Lewis maintaining tight coverage but failing to get his head turned around.

His struggles getting his head around to locate the ball not only allows completions but limits his ability to generate turnovers. Lewis also tends to use his hands too much which will result in pass interference calls at the next level.

Hand usage is one thing but when combined with playing with your back to the football is a recipe for consistent flags.

Another thing that will keep Lewis’ draft stock down is his lack of size and bulk. He doesn’t fit the mold of how the current trend for bigger corners in the NFL. However, if he could make some adjustments teams have been willing to over look this concern.

The ability to keep tight coverage is great, but cornerbacks need to generate turnovers and pass breakups. Lewis needs to show he can locate the ball and keep it out of the hands of the receiver.

Current Draft Status: 2nd Round

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