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Lewan's Stock Continues to Rise
By Jonathan Webb
http://www.stlouisrams.com/news-and...-to-Rise/2fa0bdfd-2fc6-49ca-a086-06a9d1c542f2
University of Michigan offensive tackle Taylor Lewan's stock continues to rise heading into next month's Draft.
Known as a superior athlete at the tackle position, Michigan’s Taylor Lewan enters the final weeks leading up to the NFL Draft as one of three leading candidates to be the first lineman to come off the board.
Lewan established himself as a premier tackle prospect over his four seasons at Michigan, where he helped the Wolverines to three bowl appearances while making 41 consecutive starts. The 6’8,” 315-pound Lewan was a three-time first-team All-Big 10 selection during his collegiate career.
He drew strong reviews for his athleticism leading up to both the Combine and Michigan’s pro day, and those assessments were confirmed at both events. His 4.87-second 40-yard dash was the fastest at the position during the Combine. Lewan, who decided to forgo last year’s draft for his senior year at Michigan, believes his extra year of playing at the college level has only added to his NFL stock. Coming from the run-oriented Big 10 conference, Lewan stated his focus over the past year as improving his work in the passing game to better prepare for the NFL.
As a player who has gained a reputation for bringing an additional ‘edge’ on the field, Lewan has emphasized the physical style of play that defined his college career in recent months.
“I think I’m very consistent I’m a player who always plays through the whistle,” Lewan said while at the NFL Combine.
As a graduate of Michigan, Lewan has often drawn close comparisons to his mentor and current Rams left tackle Jake Long. The comparison is one that has been welcome to Lewan, who has communicated regularly with the former first overall pick.
“If I had to compare myself to someone, it would be Jake Long,” Lewan said. “He’s an unbelievable player, and it’s awesome to even be mentioned in comparison to him. He’s a great guy and a phenomenal person. I’ve gotten to know him a little bit.”
Though it would require a move to right tackle after playing on the left side at Michigan, Lewan said he would embrace the notion of joining Long in St. Louis, should the Rams select him with one of their two first-round choices.
Prior to the Combine, some draft experts had Lewan pegged as a possibility to land in St. Louis at 13th overall, though his recent ascent up the draft boards would make that scenario appear unlikely. In a recent mock draft of four NFL.com panelists, Lewan was chosen prior to 13th overall on three boards, with the one outlier having Lewan landing in Baltimore with the 17th overall pick.