Quarterback Brian Lewerke is one of the most interesting quarterbacks in this draft. While not having most of the NFL scout’s attention, Lewerke is still projected to be drafted later this week.
Profile/Background:
Position: Quarterback
Height: 6 feet, 2 inches
Weight: 213 pounds
College: Michigan State (MSU)
High School: Pinnacle Academy in Arizona
After throwing for 20 touchdowns and over 2,700 yards in his sophmore season, Lewerke showed potential and is considered a top-ten quarterback in this year’s draft.
However, Michigan State head coach, Mark Dantonio made some questionable decisions with Lewerke. The biggest mistake Dantonio made was keeping Brad Salem and Dave Warner on the offensive staff. But, his stats dropped when Dantonio played an injured Lewerke in 2018.
When new head coach Mel Tucker arrived (after Dantonio stepped down), he cleared the entire offensive staff immediately. At a school where NFL quarterbacks Kirk Cousins, Drew Stanton, and Brian Hoyer played, Lewerke managed to set the record for most total yards in school history.
While his 40 yard dash and his stats don’t really show how good of a rusher he is, his tape does. Senior draft analyst, Kyle Crabb, commented “Lewerke has intriguing natural athleticism.”
Considering he was in a very out-dated offensive system, Lewerke had 10 rushing touchdowns in three seasons. Since the NFL is moving away from non-mobile quarterbacks, Lewerke’s athleticism fits the direction of where the game is headed.
Things would have to go Brian Lewerke’s way for him to become a starter in the NFL, but because of the promise he showed in his 2017-sophmore season and ongoing coaching mistakes that he was a victim of makes Lewerke a potential draft sleeper.
Photo: Stephen Brooks/247sports.com
