Deontae Lawson 2026 NFL Draft Scouting for Philadelphia Eagles LB

Matt HolderNov 9, 2025

The Philadelphia Eagles are reportedly signing Alabama LB Deontae Lawson as an undrafted rookie free-agent, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Deontae Lawson is a highly athletic linebacker who combines movement skills with an ability to read the quarterback's eyes to make plays on the ball in the air and projects as a good coverage defender in the NFL. The 6'2", 228-pound backer could afford to add some size and strength to be better against the run, though.

Lawson went to Alabama as a 4-star recruit in the 2021 class and redshirted as a true freshman. He was a special teams contributor and rotational player/spot starter the following year, accumulating 51 tackles, 2.5 for loss and four passes defended.

The Mobile, Alabama native became a full-time starter as a redshirt sophomore and recorded 67 tackles, three tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and four passes defended. He broke out in 2024 by logging 76 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 2 sacks, an interception and four PDs to earn third-team All-SEC honors.

This past season, Lawson posted 89 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks and four passes defended to receive second-team All-SEC recognition.

Matt Holder has been a part of B/R's Scouting Department for four seasons. He also writes about the Las Vegas Raiders and NFL draft for SB Nation's Silver and Black Pride, and co-hosts a YouTube Channel, Tape Don't Lie, providing film breakdowns and more draft prospect analysis.

Highlights

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Scroll down for the full scouting report.

Where He Wins

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- Impressive athlete overall who has springy legs to move laterally easily. Also, appears to have room for growth on his frame to add some size.

- Combines movement skills, quickness and a good ability to read the quarterback's eyes to tighten throwing windows and/or make plays on the ball. Good ball production for a linebacker with 16 career defended passes.

- Plenty of speed to close against underneath routes when playing zone coverage.

- While Lawson hasn't been used in man coverage much, he shows the athleticism to be able to match up with tight ends and running backs at the next level.

- Eyes in zone coverage have significantly improved during the 2025 season. He's also done a much better job of getting depth.

- Times up and disguises his blitzes well to get unblocked tackles for loss or find an open pass-rush lane to get pressure.

- Quick and agile to occasionally make offensive linemen miss on the second level.

Areas of Improvement

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AP Photo

- Questionable instincts against zone runs, Lawson often freezes and gets caught in the trash.

- Subpar strength when taking on blocks as a run defender, he struggles to get extension and will get pushed around by offensive linemen. Will need some time in the weight room to add size and strength.

- Doesn't have much pop behind his pads when coming downhill.

- Angles in pursuit are often too shallow.

- Has a habit of lunging or diving at a ball carrier's feet when tackling, leading to misses.

- Concerning injury history that included a torn ACL at the end of the 2024 season and a quad injury that caused him to miss three games in 2023. He's also exited a handful of games early with more minor injuries.