While he was only with the Nebraska Cornhuskers for two seasons, Offensive Tackle Alex Lewis was known for things both on and off the field, and in good times and in bad.
Combined with his time at Colorado, Lewis has played in over 50 games & started 39 games in his College career, spanning two positions (OT & TE). While he was known to have issues with false starts and such at times, Lewis showed that he could be a fairly decent blocker starting at left tackle throughout most of his Husker career. He was a team captain in 2015 and earned All-Conference honors the past two seasons:
- Second-Team All-Big Ten (Coaches, 2015)
- Third-Team All-Big Ten (Media, 2015)
- Honorable-Mention All-Big Ten (Media, Coaches, 2014)
With all the above being said, Lewis has been known to have off the field issues. His arrest for assault back in May of 2013 gave him a 45-day jail sentence that he served. He's also known for his less than tepid remarks to the Nebraska fanbase both in person and on social media.
With the 2016 NFL Draft coming around, Lewis looks to keep the tradition of Nebraska Linemen heading on to play Sundays.
Test results at NFL Combine:
- 40-Yard Dash: 5.22 seconds
- Bench Press: 27 reps
- Broad Jump: 100 inches
- 3 Cone Drill: 7.94 Seconds
- 20 Yard Shuttle: 4.72 Seconds
STRENGTHS Has some toughness to his game and will meet a physical challenge. Has a clean, balanced setup in pass protection and keeps his head back and hands punch-ready. Generally uses well-timed punch with inside hand coming first. Understands his physical limitations and sets out on defensive ends quickly to counter. Able to generate some play at the tackle spot.
WEAKNESSES Plodding feet limit him. Slow to step into angle blocks and has issues operating consistently on outside zone plays. Not quick enough to be counted on for reach blocks. Pad level too high to unlock hips for maximum leverage and pop in run game. Needs to get better at sinking hips as bull rush mounts. Play strength is very average and leads to balance issues. Will lunge rather than working feet into position. Punch needs to be more crisp and quick.
DRAFT PROJECTION Rounds 5 or 6
BOTTOM LINE Lewis has enough frame and length to stay at tackle, but will need to move over to the right side even though he may be able to offer average value as a swing tackle. Run blocking in space will always be a concern and his foot quickness could cause issues for him against NFL speed off the edge. There is enough there to work with Lewis as a backup tackle.