The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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MICHIGAN FOOTBALL with teams picking as high two and as far back as 20," Lewan said at his introductory press conference. "I wasn't necessarily worried about the number, but no one ever likes to be second best or third best when they're being picked. Obviously, I have a little bit of a chip on my shoul- der knowing I was the third offensive tackle picked." Initially, the 6-7, 309-pound Lewan may not fit in Tennessee's plans, with nine-year starter Michael Roos returning for his 10th season at left tackle and Michael Oher signed to a four-year free-agent contract to man right tackle, but Lewan is the long- term answer. "Sometimes you can get lost in get- ting that short-term guy that helps you year one, but maybe over the long haul doesn't," Titans general manager Ruston Webster said. "In my mind, there are certain things you have to have to build a team long term. One of the things is stability in the offensive line, specifically left tackle. "We've all been with teams where we didn't have a left tackle, and it's almost like you can't run your of- fense. In order for us to be consistent long term — and it is important to look at that — we needed that posi- tion down the road. But there is a balance there. We all want the guy to come in here and be rookie of the year, but most importantly we want him to have a 10-year career with the Titans." Lewan was a four-year starter for the Wolverines, a first-team All- American in 2012-13 and a two- time Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year (2012-13), joining Jake Long (2006-07) as the only Michigan player to garner such a lofty confer- ence distinction. His starting counterpart at right tackle for each of the last two sea- sons, Schofield lands in a similar situation to Lewan, joining a Bron- cos team that returns its starting left (Ryan Clady) and right tackles (Chris Clark); Denver has the luxury of bringing the 6-7, 304-pound Scho- field along slowly. "They're looking for a guy that can play on special teams, and that could be his initial role," Denver Post beat writer Troy Renck said. "It's almost seen as a redshirt year because, on paper, if Denver stays healthy, they shouldn't need Schofield to start and this can be a development year for him offensively." Schofield started at guard for the Wolverines in 2011, and could earn some snaps inside for the Broncos in 2014 and beyond. "He just gives us a lot of different options," Denver general manager DIGITAL BONUS: CLICK THE ICON TO PLAY OR STOP THE PODCAST Jon Jansen talks about hosting Michigan's pre-game radio show and what he expects from U-M this fall.