After losing Dante Fowler Jr. in free agency and cutting Clay Matthews, the Los Angeles Rams were in desperate need of outside pass-rush help. They found some by signing Leonard Floyd, who played under defensive coordinator Brandon Staley with the Bears, and in the draft, they added Terrell Lewis in the third round.
Staley clearly has a “type” when it comes to his outside linebackers, as both Floyd and Lewis stand 6-feet-5 with excellent length and size on the edge. They each boast plenty of athleticism, too.
Outside linebackers coach Chris Shula had some high praise for Lewis prior to the draft on a conference call, complimenting his athleticism and explosiveness.
“He’s just a rare blend of size and speed. Usually guys that are that big and long don’t have the explosive get-off that he has,” he said.
General manager Les Snead was also thrilled to come away with Lewis in the third round, and he had this to say about the Alabama product.
“It’s a bonus that this kid’s got that unbelievable, very unique first-step explosiveness,” he said. “Disrupt and kind of give those QBs – make it a tough day on offensive linemen.”
Lewis won’t be a Day 1 starter, but he should contribute as a rookie. The biggest question with him as a prospect is his durability, since he missed most of two seasons while at Alabama.
If he can stay healthy, he could be a double-digit sack player in a year or two.
