Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

David Lewis (College Stats) - 1984 NFL Draft Pick #20 by DET


What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for David Lewis - 1984 NFL Draft

Position: Linebacker
College: University of Southern California (USC)

Overview

David Lewis was a standout linebacker at USC, known for his versatility, athleticism, and leadership on the field. As a key player for the Trojans, he showcased a combination of speed and strength that made him an attractive prospect for NFL teams.

Collegiate Performance

  • Junior Year: Recorded 110 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks.
  • Senior Year: Achieved 120 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks, earning All-American honors.
  • Playmaking Ability: Known for his ability to read plays and disrupt the opposition's offense.

Strengths

  • Speed and Agility: Exceptional lateral movement and quickness to pursue ball carriers.
  • Tackling Technique: Strong fundamentals in tackling, often bringing down larger opponents.
  • Football IQ: High awareness on the field, able to anticipate plays and react accordingly.
  • Leadership: Served as a team captain, demonstrating strong leadership qualities both on and off the field.

Weaknesses

  • Injury History: Had some minor injuries during college that raised concerns about durability.
  • Coverage Skills: While solid, his pass coverage skills were considered a work in progress compared to other top linebackers.

Projected Draft Status

David Lewis was projected to be a mid-round selection in the 1984 NFL Draft. Teams appreciated his potential to develop into a starting linebacker but acknowledged the need for improvement in certain areas, particularly in pass coverage.

Conclusion

With a solid college career at USC and a reputation for being a reliable defender, David Lewis was poised to make an impact in the NFL. His combination of physical tools and football intelligence made him a valuable asset for any team looking to strengthen their linebacker corps.