The Rams used their third draft pick this year on outside linebacker Terrell Lewis, selecting him 84th overall in the third round. Here are five things you should know about the former Alabama standout.
1) NFL-ready
Hailing from a college program than annually produces NFL talent, Lewis credits Alabama's pro-like preparation for his and his former teammates' seamless transition into the league.
"I think our daily process that we go through prepares us so well for the NFL, whether it just be studying and watching film, how to conduct yourself when it comes to preparation, weight room, balance as far as lifting and school, and things of that nature," Lewis said on a video conference last week. "Just the terminology that we talk as far as just football wise, learning the X's and O's, and learning the situational part of football and schemes and coverages and different things that go into just everything that a coach, and especially what NFL coach, thinks about, we dissect it from a player's perspective."
2) Draft classmate connections
Lewis is already acquainted with a couple of his new Rams teammates. He said he played in the same Dallas, Texas all-star event as running back Cam Akers, and worked out with wide receiver Van Jefferson at Michael Johnson Performance in McKinney, Texas.
3) Valuable pick
According to one NFL analyst, Lewis was considered a steal for the Rams when he was available at 84th pick.
This is further reinforced by another NFL analyst who gave Lewis first-round buzz prior to the draft.
4) Player comparison suggests high upside
The same article that stated Lewis going in the first round wouldn't have been a surprise also compared him to a prominent edge rusher already in the league: Broncos linebacker Von Miller.
"If you just look at the athleticism, speed, ridiculous body frame and most metrics, this kid is a bigger Von Miller," CBS Sports' Jason LaCanfora wrote. "Wingspan off the charts. Essentially had Miller's vertical and broad jump, only carrying 20 more pounds and two more inches."
5) Chip on his shoulder
Lewis missed 10 games in 2017 due to an upper arm injury and the entire 2018 season after tearing his ACL that summer, but bounced back in 2019 with a performance worth of second-team All-SEC honors.
He's ready to reward the Rams' faith in him and prove wrong all the other teams who passed on him.
"Yeah, I'm sure it played a factor in it, but nonetheless, I got picked," Lewis said, when asked if he thought his college injuries caused him to slide in the draft. "I'm in an organization and just getting off the phone with the Rams, they told me how much they believe in me and my abilities. They can't wait to display it to every other team that passed up on me and I can't wait either. Just ready to get to work and make everybody else pay for the wait that they made me wait."
Welcome to LA, Terrell Lewis! Meet the outside linebacker from Alabama.
LSU quarterback Joe Burrow (9) is hit by Alabama linebacker Terrell Lewis (24) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa , Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama linebacker Terrell Lewis runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Alabama linebacker Terrell Lewis (24) pursues Western Carolina quarterback Tyrie Adams (12) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama linebacker Terrell Lewis in an NCAA football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
LSU tight end Thaddeus Moss (81) blocks Alabama linebacker Terrell Lewis (24) in the first half of an NCAA football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama linebacker Terrell Lewis (24) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama linebacker Terrell Lewis runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Alabama linebacker Terrell Lewis (24) grins after a stop of Arkansas during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Tennessee offensive lineman Darnell Wright (72) blocks Alabama linebacker Terrell Lewis (24) as Lewis and Alabama defensive lineman Raekwon Davis (99) pursue Tennessee running back Tim Jordan during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama linebacker Terrell Lewis warms up before an NCAA football game against Duke on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Alabama linebacker Terrell Lewis (24) sets up on the edge against Tennessee during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama linebacker Terrell Lewis runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Alabama linebacker Terrell Lewis (24) lines up during the first half of an NCAA college football game against New Mexico State, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Texas A&M running back Isaiah Spiller (28) is tackled by Alabama linebacker Shane Lee (35) and teammate Terrell Lewis (24) after a short gain during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
Alabama linebacker Terrell Lewis warms up before an NCAA football game against Duke on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Alabama linebacker Terrell Lewis (24) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
