Summary

Jourdan Lewis was selected in the 3rd Round (#92 Overall) in the 2017 Draft out of University of Michigan. With the Wolverines, Lewis was a two-time All-Big Ten cornerback, finishing his collegiate career with 7 interceptions, 29 pass breakups, and 172 tackles. In the NFL, Lewis has primarily contributed as a starting cornerback and slot/outside nickel corner, totaling over 250 tackles, 15 interceptions, and 65 passes defended through the 2024 season. He has been valued for his ability to match up against top receivers, discipline in coverage, and versatility across defensive schemes. Off the field, Lewis is known for his professionalism, work ethic, and leadership, making him a respected presence in the locker room.

Strengths

• Strong Coverage Skills: Smooth footwork and quick hips allow him to stay close to receivers in one-on-one coverage, making him a supreme asset as one of the league’s premier slot defenders.

• Versatility: Effective both outside and in the slot and adaptable to multiple defensive schemes and packages.

• Ball Skills: Good instincts for the football, with a history of interceptions and pass breakups in key situations. Shows terrific kinesthetic sense to adjust to tipped balls and leave his feet to make interceptions to either side.

• Tackling in Space: Strong form tackling for a corner, particularly in open-field and short-route situations when afforded the opportunity to click and close.

Weaknesses

• Physicality vs. Big Receivers: Can be challenged at the catch point against taller, stronger receivers due to his size limitations, especially when asked to line up on the perimeter.

• Press Coverage Refinement: Occasionally beaten off the line against aggressive press techniques due to his aggressive nature and play style.

• Injury History: Has experienced minor soft-tissue injuries that have caused missed time in multiple seasons, including most recently missing a handful of games for a neck injury in 2025.

• Penalty Proclivity: Lewis plays the game in such a physical, metal manner that he will get dinged for holding calls when he fails to disengage within that initial five yard contact zone.

Outlook

Lewis projects as a starting cornerback capable of handling both outside and slot responsibilities in defenses that emphasize pattern-match principles. His combination of speed, technical skill, and versatility makes him particularly effective in nickel packages and matchups against slot receivers. Lewis is less suited to a scheme that requires constant press-line domination or heavy in-the-box run support, but his football IQ, discipline, and professionalism make him a reliable and steady contributor. Over the next several seasons, he is likely to continue as a key secondary piece, providing dependable coverage and depth across multiple defensive fronts, with the potential to mentor younger corners like Jarrian Jones in the system.