Saturday Blitz
Fansided

NFL Draft 2016: Pro comparisons for top 10 prospects

By Gabe Encinas

Jan 10, 2015; Frisco, TX, USA; North Dakota State Bison quarterback Carson Wentz (11) throws a pass during pre game warmups against the Illinois State Redbirds at Pizza Hut Park. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2015; Frisco, TX, USA; North Dakota State Bison quarterback Carson Wentz (11) throws a pass during pre game warmups against the Illinois State Redbirds at Pizza Hut Park. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 11
Next
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jake Coker (14) is sacked by Clemson Tigers defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) during the second quarter in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jake Coker (14) is sacked by Clemson Tigers defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) during the second quarter in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Shaq Lawson isn’t necessarily a guy who is likely to go within the top 10, but I find him to be an extremely intriguing prospect. For now, I would project Lawson to a guy like Charles Johnson of the Carolina Panthers. Extremely well-built and versatile on defense, capable of playing either a 4-3 or 3-4 defense.

Lawson is going to be able to boss around the offensive line and spin some tackles around to cause havoc in the backfield. Lawson injured his knee in the College Football Playoff against Oklahoma but despite playing on an injury that could have kept him out of a regular season game, had two sacks in the championship game against Alabama.

Just a tough defensive end that might take some time to develop in the league. He lacks the extreme athleticism due to his size, sometimes unable to get to the quarterback. But he’ll be a big body that can set the edge and take a quick second off of a running back, forcing the ball carrier to pick which side to go to.

Next: 9. Jared Goff

Home/California Golden Bears