The Clemson Tigers pump yet another defensive lineman into the NFL when the Vikings make Dexter Lawrence their pick at No. 18. At 6-foot-4 and 342 pounds, Lawrence possesses the elite size needed to compete in the trenches in the NFL.
The Vikings don’t have a gaping need along their defensive front, but Lawrence’s upside is too high to pass up in the late teens. He’s athletic enough to beat 1-on-1 blocks, but powerful enough to eat multiple blocks while his teammates make plays.
Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks already roam sideline-to-sideline making plays, but pitting a block-magnet like Lawrence in front of them would elevate their defense to new heights.
Lawrence’s most productive collegiate season came as a freshman, causing some to question if it was a fluke. But just like speed, you can’t teach size. And Lawrence has lots of it.