Steelers Scouting Report: Alabama EDGE Terrell Lewis

The Steelers will undoubtedly look to draft an edge rusher in the 2020 NFL Draft. Here’s my scouting report on Alabama edge defender, Terrell Lewis.

The Steelers have a solid group of edge defenders set to tee off across from each other in 2020 with All-Pro T.J. Watt and 2019 breakout player, Bud Dupree. A lot of questions still remain surrounding Dupree – including if his long-term future will be in Pittsburgh.

Regardless, the Steelers will almost assuredly look to add depth at edge defender in the NFL Draft, and they could do so as high as the second round. In my recent Steelers scouting reports, I have done write-ups on edge players like Josh Uche and Julian Okwara. Here is my scouting report on Alabama edge defender, Terrell Lewis, and how he fits in Pittsburgh:

EDGE Terrell Lewis, Alabama

Strengths:

• Chizzled from stone, with an incredible frame and length for the position (6’5”, 262 pounds, 33 7/8” arms)
• Incredibly long arms that he uses to his advantage
• Can collapse the pocket with a powerful bull rush
• Speed to accelerate around the edge and close on the quarterback
• Ferocious against the run, willing to throw his body in the mix
• Exciting physical traits that can be molded
• Flashes potential as an elite pass rusher
• Slaps away blockers with powerful hands
• Solid football awareness on film
• Incredibly gifted athlete, the sky is the limit for his potential

Weaknesses:

• Major injury concerns, 2017 and 2018 seasons derailed
• Inexperienced with just 14 games played in college
• Only modest production in 10 games as a junior (11.5 tackles for loss, 6.0 sacks)
• A little stiff-hipped, dip and bend are lacking at times
• Needs to play with better leverage
• Neds to develop more consistent rushing counters
• Needs to improve balance and technique as a pass rusher
• Can drop into coverage, but looks out of place at times

Terrell Lewis’s fit in Pittsburgh

The Steelers already have Dupree returning for the 2020 season, but his availability beyond this year is still a mystery. Lewis an uber-talented player who will allow Pittsburgh to let Dupree walk after the 2020 season.

Lewis would serve as the primary backup to both Watt and Dupree on the edge in 2020 before transitioning to a full-time role across from Watt in 2021. The sky is the limit for Terrell Lewis. If he stays relatively healthy, he and Watt would have a chance to be one of the most dangerous pass-rushing duos in the league for years.

Pro Comparision: Jevon Kearse

Jevon Kearse had a brilliant start to his professional career. Drafted by Tennessee in 1999, he earned 10.0 plus sacks and three Pro Bowls in three straight seasons. However, the often-injured player out of Florida was never the same after suffering an injury that allowed him to play just four games in 2002.

Kearse went on to play a total of 11 seasons in the NFL, but never earned another 10.0-sack season after his injuries. Terrell Lewis has a similar body type and is an athletic SEC edge defender, but injury concerns could prove to cap his NFL potential. If he stays healthy, he’s a big, long pass rusher who could win the same way Kearse did in the NFL.

Game film:

Terrell Lewis is a high-upside player who would no doubt be a first-round pick in 2020 if it wasn’t for some glaring injury concerns that caused him to miss most of his college career at Alabama. Still, if he makes it to pick 49, the Steelers would be betting on his upside – just like they did with T.J. Watt in 2017. His health is a concern, but he’s clearly worth a shot in the second round.