Michael Lewis

It’s remarkable that anyone playing on the same defense as Patrick Willis can rack up significant numbers of tackles, but Lewis has done exactly that, knocking down anyone who slips past the Niners’ prolific linebacker to the tune of 104 stops in 2007 and 96 in 2008. A hard hitter, Lewis also contributes on the pass rush, averaging nearly two sacks a year over his last three seasons. He didn’t intercept a pass last year after picking off two in each of the previous three seasons. A couple of sacks, a couple of picks and 95-plus tackles – you could do a lot worse.

Lewis brought his all-around IDP game to the west coast last season and flourished with the 49ers. He posted 1.5 sacks, two INTs and 103 tackles. Lewis is a hard-hitting safety who is guaranteed to rack up significant tackle totals whenever he is on the field.

Lewis was banged up much of the year and lost his starting strong safety spot in Philadelphia to Sean Considine. Lewis signed a six-year, $30 million deal that included $9.8 million in guaranteed bonuses with the 49ers this past offseason. He is known as a big hitter who will play one of the linebacker spots in the nickel coverage but will need to show that his pass defense cover skills have not deteriorated to the point that he should no longer be a starter.

One of the league's rising stars, Michael Lewis has demonstrated he is one of the top safeties in the league, earning a Pro Bowl bid in just his third season in the NFL. Lewis, who led the Eagles with 129 tackles in 2004, is the primary signal caller on defense and his hard-hitting style works well with fellow safety Brian Dawkins in making the pair the top safety tandem in the entire league.

One of the NFL's new rising stars, Lewis has shown his playmaking ability and leadership from his strong safety position. He is a hard-hitting safety with a knack for creating big plays. In 2003, Lewis piled up 132 tackles and a team-leading three interceptions. Along side of Brian Dawkins, Lewis is expected to make another large contribution in 2004.

After finishing his 2002 rookie campaign with some solid performances, Lewis was named the starting strong safety for 2003. Lewis is a physical, hard hitting SS. The Eagles feel Lewis is the long term solution at SS but with only four NFL starts under his belt there will be some growing pains.