Back in 2017, Cornerback Jourdan Lewis was one of the most sought after defensive players coming into the NFL Draft. Unfortunately, a domestic violence allegation for the former Michigan Wolverine dropped his stock from being a first-rounder. However, it couldn’t have worked out better for the Dallas Cowboys who took him in the third round with the 92nd overall pick.
After a promising rookie season in which he registered 54 tackles (two tackles for loss), 10 passes defended and one interception things began to take a not so pleasant turn for Lewis. The Cowboys brought in Kris Richard as the Passing Game Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach in January of 2018. Richard, who is known for being the mastermind that formed the infamous “Legion of Boom” with the Seattle Seahawks, likes tall and lengthy corners and at 5’10 Lewis didn’t fit that mold. He would only rack up 12 tackles, a pass defended, and one interception all season in limited action.
This season, however, Lewis has gotten his chance to really show once again how good he is due to Cornerback Anthony Brown being out for the season with a torn triceps muscle, and he’s taken full advantage of his opportunity.
In just four starts this season, Lewis has 38 tackles (four tackles for loss) six passes defended, four sacks and two interceptions (leads team). His sack total is impressive for a few reasons. For one, four sacks is an extremely high number for a corner, which proves just how good he is blitzing from the slot. Second, it ties Cowboys great Bill Bates (1983) for the second-most by a defensive back in team history. Lastly, he is tied for third on the team in sacks with Michael Bennett and Maliek Collins, truly amazing.
For all the noise made about Lewis and his coverage skills, and rightfully so, his tackling doesn’t get enough credit. Of his 104 career tackles, 85 have been of the solo variety. That’s means 81.7% of the time Lewis is single-handedly bringing ball carriers and receivers to the ground. Simply put, the guy is a playmaker.
All-Pro Byron Jones and Anthony Brown are set to be unrestricted free agents in 2020. Both would be significant losses for the depth of the secondary. However, if Jones does end up in another uniform the Cowboys already have a number one in Lewis to replace him, who’s showing he is a better all-around better player. The shackles have been taken off and now Lewis is putting the NFL world on notice to how truly talented he really is.
