In late December of 2022, the Chicago Bears made a tweak to their practice squad when they added Terrell Lewis. Most fans probably didn't even notice. The season was long over by that point, and any roster adjustment didn't matter. However, GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus have maintained a long-term view with every decision they make. It's possible they may have had something cooking when they moved quickly to add the former Los Angeles Rams edge defender.
Lewis was a 3rd round pick out of Alabama in 2020. It wasn't hard to see the appeal. He displayed a 6'5 frame with 34-inch arms and weighed 262 lbs. That is the prototypical size and length desired for the NFL. His 124-inch broad jump would've also been 6th-best among edge defenders at this year's scouting combine. So he had the athleticism and explosiveness. His 11.5 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks in his final year for the Crimson Tide also showcased his ability to produce.
The issue many draft evaluators had with him was a lack of polish. He didn't have the smooth technique many Alabama players had when going pro. This was largely due to his missing several games in college because of injuries. He's missed a few games in recent years but has largely stayed healthy. Did the Rams not utilize him well enough?
Lewis is making an early impression with the Chicago Bears.
Reports have indicated the veteran made several positive plays as a pass rusher, showcasing his length and athleticism. It's also worth wondering if he's finally in a defense that fits him best. Los Angeles deployed him as a 3-4 outside linebacker. That position tends to have more responsibilities, such as dropping into coverage. A 4-3 defensive end, which he now is with the Bears, has two jobs. One is to set the edge against the run, and the other is getting up the field to attack the quarterback. Lewis has the size and length tailor-made for a defensive end. By simplifying his approach, it might be what he needed to realize his potential.
One thing is certain. Lewis has done enough to justify more attention when training camp begins. The Chicago Bears represent a fresh start for him. He is still only 24 years old, so he's not done growing as a player. If he can stay healthy and carries this positive momentum through August, the Bears may have an unexpected solution to their pass rush problems. If nothing else, it shows they have more quality depth than anticipated.
