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2017 NFL Mock Draft: 1st-Round Projections after Week 3

By Tyler Brooke

Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) throws in the second quarter against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) throws in the second quarter against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 21, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Idaho Vandals quarterback Matt Linehan (10) runs the ball while defended by Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Carl Lawson (55) during the second quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Idaho Vandals quarterback Matt Linehan (10) runs the ball while defended by Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Carl Lawson (55) during the second quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /

. EDGE. Auburn. Carl Lawson. 6. player. 13

The San Diego Chargers nearly wasted their first-round pick last year due to contract disputes with Joey Bosa. Even though Bosa is now with the team, the Chargers are still going to need some more help rushing the passer, especially with Derek Carr in their division.

With Garrett off of the board early, Auburn’s Carl Lawson is the next best edge rusher available. He’s arguably just as dominant of a pass rusher, although not nearly as powerful as Garrett. Lawson doesn’t rely as much on pure strength, instead focusing on getting around offensive linemen with a quick burst and good bend around the edge.

Adding Lawson to that defensive secondary would give the Chargers a huge upgrade at outside linebacker. San Diego isn’t quite ready to compete in their division, but a big rookie season from Lawson could change that.

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