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Player name: Corey Levin
H/W: 6'4 307
Position: Offensive Tackle and Guard
School / Class: RS Senior / University of Tennessee - Chattanooga
Measureables: 5.16 40, 26 bench press reps, 26.5" vertical jump, 106" broad jump, 7.55 sec 3 cone drill
The Tape
Strengths:
- Athleticism - It was surprising how athletic he is given the lack of ideal "measurements" he had at the Combine. In the Florida State game, he moved laterally really well, repeatedly getting set in the right blocking position against the better athletes that FSU usually offers. Keep in mind that he didn't get to face Demarcus Walker often but Levin won more than he lost when he did. In the Bama tape, he wasn't as good moving around (but who is, really against the Tide) but still effective. Footwork in pass block is a plus. Ideal athleticism to move around on screen plays.
- Football IQ / Instincts - He quickly diagnoses the defensive assignments before the defense even shows it but when it gets going, he has some issues keeping up with faster linemen. The mind is willing but the body needs to catch up. A four year starter that has seen just about everything about defensive schemes. Rapidly processes the counter moves that defensive linemen and adjusts his blocking to counter the counter.
- Versatility - Levin has played both left tackle and guard throughout his career. Started at tackle his first three years but finished as a guard where he will likely find an NFL home as a senior. As a tie in to the IQ section, he knows what his line mates are thinking at all times due to the fact that he has gotten live fire reps at those other positions. Can play tackle in a pinch but probably won't be as successful there if asked to remain there beyond a few reps much less entire games.
Weaknesses:
- Frame - A "svelte" 307 that needs some refinement from Steve Watterson and company. Not the most ideal build for an offensive lineman. I'm not saying that he's predraft Andre Smith (body wise) but Levin needs a redshirt year to get right physically.
- Leverage - In the Bama game, it felt like he got beat a few times due to attempting to compensate for his lack of comparative athleticism by firing off too high on the snap. He had a noticeable habit of this against the Tide and the ultra talented defensive linemen had a pretty good day pushing him back into the pocket. Needs to work on finding that sweet spot of mixing firing points to confuse defenders (especially the better ones).
- Technique - Levin relied on pure brute strength to get by against lesser opponents it seemed to me instead of learning the more technical details of the game. It showed against bigger name programs where everybody is good. Needs a ton of development time with Russ Grimm before seeing the field.
Notes
Levin wasn't even on my radar until the Titans selected him. The only Mocs prospect that I was heavily investing time in was Keionta Davis. After further research on Levin, he's a typical late round flier guy that can develop into an interesting rotation piece down the road. SPOILER ALERT - He was a 0 star recruit that developed into a three time All-American (which is significant because that makes him only the fifth ever in school history). Another fun fact: A two time winner of the Jacobs Blocking Award (given to the top blocker in each conference). He's only one of 11 players all time to earn this honor twice. Was named to some kind of academic honor roll every year in school. Native of the state of Georgia. Interesting tie to fellow 2017 Titans draft pick Jonnu Smith as father Grant was a golfer for FIU. Never allowed a sack against FBS (Division 1) competition in his career.
Final Summary
I'm somewhat ambivalent about the pick. He projects as a developmental prospect that could be something close to resembling a decent backup swing guard / tackle with the right coaching and S&C work. Levin likely won't make the active 46 this year unless he can beat out "recent" signee Tim Lelito and possibly 2016 draft pick Sebastian Tretola. I can foresee a redshirt year in 2017 before getting a true shot to compete in 2018. He's technically raw but the clay is there to be molded by Russ Grimm and co. An underrated athlete on the hoof going to the second level. The Titans have historically done well developing mid to late round linemen into at least backup quality if not outright starters. Also, it seems that the team has done well developing FCS prospects over bigger name prospects throughout the different GM regimes. Hopefully these trends continue to hold true with Levin.
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