Ronnell Lewis, DE/OLB, Oklahoma

RCSooner · 09-23-2011, 10:34 PM

What do you all think of this guy? So far, he has 1.5 sacks and 4 tackles for loss on the year. Do you think he's a first-round 3-4 OLB prospect? He's known for his tenacious hitting ability at OU...hence his nickname "The Hammer". If I'd compare him to an NFL player, I'd say he's like James Harrison of the Steelers.

BigBanger · 09-24-2011, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCSooner

If I'd compare him to an NFL player, I'd say he's like James Harrison of the Steelers.

Why, is he 5'9'' or something?

Duffman57 · 09-24-2011, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigBanger

Why, is he 5'9'' or something?

Nah, more because he's that smaller type of Pass Rush LB, who just absolutely lays the wood.

RCSooner · 10-11-2011, 07:35 PM

The Hammer had 3 tackles for loss and 2 sacks against Texas. He also forced a fumble. He really steps up his play in big games.

Duffman57 · 10-11-2011, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCSooner

The Hammer had 3 tackles for loss and 2 sacks against Texas. He also forced a fumble. He really steps up his play in big games.

He's a really good player, and he's just that type of player that you have to love, just plays his @$$ off every snap and just looks to destroy people. He just doesn't have that natural pass rush ability you want in a 34 OLB. He looks like he could be a REALLY good 34 ILB or 43 SLB.

Matthew Jones · 10-11-2011, 10:22 PM

Honestly I never really see him making plays for the Sooners when I watch. Mel Kiper has him in his top 25 and claims he'd be a great fit as a 3-4 OLB, but he has never really stood out to me and I'm not sure if I'm missing something or what.

Crimson79 · 10-13-2011, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RavenOfProphecy

Honestly I never really see him making plays for the Sooners when I watch. Mel Kiper has him in his top 25 and claims he'd be a great fit as a 3-4 OLB, but he has never really stood out to me and I'm not sure if I'm missing something or what.

Hmm have you watched him play this season? Last year he was just breaking into the rotation. Right now he has 32 tackles, 7 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, 3 pass break ups, 3 QBHs, and 1 FF.

Matthew Jones · 10-13-2011, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crimson79

Hmm have you watched him play this season? Last year he was just breaking into the rotation. Right now he has 32 tackles, 7 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, 3 pass break ups, 3 QBHs, and 1 FF.

I've watched a few Oklahoma games this year - the Florida St. game and some of the Missouri and Texas games. I read that he made some plays in the second half of the Texas game, but I stopped paying much attention once the game was out of hand in the mid-second quarter, so I guess I must have missed the garbage-time pressure he was creating.

bruschis4all · 10-13-2011, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RavenOfProphecy

I've watched a few Oklahoma games this year - the Florida St. game and some of the Missouri and Texas games. I read that he made some plays in the second half of the Texas game, but I stopped paying much attention once the game was out of hand in the mid-second quarter, so I guess I must have missed the garbage-time pressure he was creating.

OU's front kicked FSU's butt too. Did you watch that game? Abused Datko and Sanders all night. Lewis is also tremendous on special teams in case you missed that. Or, doesn't that count?

RCSooner · 10-14-2011, 04:39 PM

Here's his game film against Texas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNyYUNe4WHM

draftguru151 · 10-14-2011, 05:02 PM

Some nice hustle plays but nothing overly special.

RCSooner · 10-14-2011, 07:52 PM

Didn't Clay Matthews have just 3 sacks at USC his senior year? Ronnell may not look impressive on the statsheet, but he's a great athlete with a lot of potential. Most importantly, he steps up his play in big ball games.

RCSooner · 10-23-2011, 09:35 PM

Ronnell continues to impress...2.5 tackles for loss and a sack in a losing effort. He has been a bright spot on an abysmal OU defense.

RCSooner · 11-05-2011, 07:51 PM

Ronnell had 9 tackles, 2 tackles for loss and an interception today. He only has 5.5 sacks on the year, but that's because defensive end isn't his natural position. He's got to be the second best 3-4 OLB prospect behind Courtney Upshaw of Alabama.

AntoinCD · 11-06-2011, 07:18 AM

I like Lewis quite a bit and think he could crack the first round, but I actually think Frank Alexander could be the better pro

RCSooner · 11-06-2011, 12:12 PM

OU is utilizing Lewis like USC did with Clay Matthews in '08. He's a hybrid DE/LB with great intangibles. Frank Alexander on paper looks like the better pro prospect, but Lewis' athleticism and tackling ability is what makes him a better player. It wouldn't surprise me if both went somewhere in the late first round.

thegreatone · 11-06-2011, 01:54 PM

Who does he compare to in the NFL?

RCSooner · 11-06-2011, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thegreatone

Who does he compare to in the NFL?

I think Tamba Hali or Clay Matthews are decent comparisons. Lewis will end up being a better pro player than a college player.

TACKLE · 11-06-2011, 03:33 PM

I think I like him best as a thumping 3-4 ILB. I don't see him as a real natural edge rusher but he's athletic, can play sideline to sideline, looks comfortable in space and of course he can come downhill and hit. I really think he could thrive at that spot.

ElectricEye · 11-06-2011, 07:01 PM

Really going off limited information here; but he has pretty good movement skills. Guys who can rush the passer as well as potentially play in space are always put at a premium in the NFL draft, even if they haven't had all world college careers. I defiantly need to personally take a more in depth look at him before committing to anything about draft position and stuff though.

Duffman57 · 11-06-2011, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TACKLE

I think I like him best as a thumping 3-4 ILB. I don't see him as a real natural edge rusher but he's athletic, can play sideline to sideline, looks comfortable in space and of course he can come downhill and hit. I really think he could thrive at that spot.

I keep saying that, and getting shot down.

And LOL at Hali and Matthews. Not even close.

I'd say maybe similar to a James Harrison because of the ability in space, being a smaller guy as a pass rusher, and just those HARD hits, but i dont think he's near the pass rusher Harrison is.

RCSooner · 11-07-2011, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duffman57

I keep saying that, and getting shot down.

And LOL at Hali and Matthews. Not even close.

I'd say maybe similar to a James Harrison because of the ability in space, being a smaller guy as a pass rusher, and just those HARD hits, but i dont think he's near the pass rusher Harrison is.

You may be right, he needs to work on breaking off blocks like the swim move. He's a talented player though with a lot of upside.

HorusKing · 11-10-2011, 04:51 AM

This kid can play and will be a perfect fit in a 3-4 OLB the patriots need to really look at him seriously they have no pass rush from the OLB position.

RCSooner · 11-28-2011, 08:22 PM

Right now, Lewis is injured with a sprain knee but he'll still be a first round pick and blow up at the combine. You watch.

TheSlinger · 11-28-2011, 08:24 PM

I think he's being terribly misused at Oklahoma. They're having him play read and react DE in a 3-man front. He's a pass rusher who needs to play in space. I think he's going to blow up the combine and be a very good NFL LB.