Cowboys 2020 NFL draft prospects: LSU OL Damien Lewis scouting report and interview

As we’ve mentioned here before, offensive line isn’t one of the Dallas Cowboys biggest needs, but drafting for need is the way you end up over-drafting Taco Charlton and Trysten Hill. If the Cowboys want to improve as a playoff contender, they need to start drafting great players, and stop worrying about plugging holes.

Damien Lewis is a day two option at interior offensive line that could potentially help the Cowboys running game, and provide additional protection and depth for Dak Prescott.

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Name: Damien Lewis

School: LSU

Height: 6-2

Weight: 329lbs

Class: Senior

Position: iOL

Jersey: #68

Strengths:

There’s hard to find more fun tape to watch than Damien Lewis and Lloyd Cushenberry III destroying the interior of defensive lines over the last two years at LSU. Lewis is an extremely powerful run blocker who loves burying defenders in the dirt in 1-on-1 reps. Lewis, listed at 329lbs, plays with excellent strength in his upper and lower half that allows him to excel when anchoring in the passing game. Once he gets his hands on defensive lineman there’s normally not much defenders can do to shed.

Listen to BTB’s interview with Damien Lewis on Talkin’ The Draft!

Had success getting to the second-level and mirroring linebackers to give running lanes. Takes good angles when attacking defenders, and rarely see him over-pursue when moving in space. Has some length and doesn’t seem to have issues with defenders who excel using their length. While not an overly-explosive athlete, Lewis moves well on his feet and has no issues changing directions. Started every game for the Tigers in 2018 and 2019, and faced some of the toughest competition in the country playing in the SEC.

Weaknesses:

Combine is going to be big for him. He’s not a poor athlete, but posting good numbers in Indianapolis will certainly help answer some questions regarding his athleticism. Lewis states that he wants to improve on his hand placement both in the running game and passing game. His hands can get too far outside of his frame, which leads to a lot of inaccurate strikings, and puts him at risk for holding penalties at the next level.

Overall Summary:

After spending two years at Northwest Mississippi Community College, Damien Lewis took his talents to LSU to help make up one of the best offensive lines in the country, and helping the Tigers win the 2020 National Championship. In an interior offensive line class that lacks top end talent, Damien Lewis should be viewed as one of the top interiors guys in this class. With his display of power, toughness, and second-level abilities, Lewis could find himself drafted in the top 75. Lewis’ draft-stock skyrocketed after an awesome week down in Mobile at the Senior Bowl, where he cemented himself as one of the best lineman there. There may be some questions regarding Lewis’ overall athleticism, but where he lacks that twitch, he makes up for it in other areas of his game.