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ILB Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens

HT: 6-1, WT: 245, Born: 5-15-1975, College: Miami, Drafted: Round 1, Pick 26

2008 Projections

Best Case

Lewis is simply one of the best to ever play the position. Great size and speed to go with superb natural ability and a nasty streak that Dick Butkus would be proud of. He is a natural born leader who plays with an attitude and makes everyone around him better. Lewis has been the centerpiece of the Ravens defense since his rookie campaign in '96. He's led the club in tackles ten times in twelve seasons (the other two were injury shortened) and is a play maker with 30.5 sacks, 25 picks, 9 forced fumbles and 13 recoveries to his credit. Lewis is an animal against the run and is very solid in coverage as well. When healthy he is the complete player and a perennial top 10 linebacker with top 5 potential. 

Worst Case

A 12 year career has taken its toll on Lewis who has not completed a full slate of games since 2003. He has missed just 2 starts in each of the past two seasons but at this stage of his career that has to be a consideration for us. Injury is a risk that we face with all players but Lewis (at age 33) is far more risky than the average player. If he's healthy the worst case scenario would be something like 90 tackles and a top 20 finish.

Outlook

Lewis still has the fire and the ability to be a top shelf fantasy option but in reality he is not the same player he was 5 years ago. When he plays he's a solid #1 linebacker but drafting him as your top guy at the position is a serious gamble. There are simply too many quality options out there who are much more safe. Let someone else step up and take Lewis early but if you can grab him as your #2 guy he would certainly be worth that risk. Just be ready to grab Tavares Gooden at the first sign of trouble.

Writeups last modified: 2008-06-17 11:25:09