Shaq Lawson NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Bills Rookie

POSITIVES

It's tough to imagine a better coming-out party than the one Shaq Lawson had in his first season as a starter in 2015. The junior crushed opponents, notching 25.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks. Those numbers were good enough to be named a consensus All-American. In three seasons, Clemson coaches credited Lawson with an amazing 46.5 tackles for loss.

A hard-charging right defensive end, Lawson was able to beat left tackles with speed and power, switching between the two easily to set up and counter blockers. Lawson is able to get the push with his arms to jam back the shoulders of blockers and then uses a strong rip to create separation to rush.

When playing the run, Lawson was asked to line up as a 5-technique and performed well at the point of attack thanks to his power and bulk. He's able to lock out linemen by extending his arms and reads the ball well on the go. His ability to shed blocks should convince teams he can play immediately on every down.

Lawson fires off low and hard out of his stance, showing the first-step power to eat up a cushion. He's at his best when power rushing but follows up with enough agility to shake blockers. As far as defensive ends go, he's the best run defender in the class.

NEGATIVES

A big guy with short arms (32 ¾"), teams have worried about Lawson's thick frame and lack of flexibility in his hips and core. It's also been mentioned that Lawson had just one year of starter tape and may have benefited from the talent (Kevin Dodd, D.J. Reader) around him.

Where do you play him? Teams are torn on if he's a 3-4 end, 3-4 'backer or 4-3 end. For some, that versatility is a positive. For others, it's a question mark. Without elite bend in his hips and core, Lawson may be best suited as a 4-3 end who kicks inside on third downs.

Lawson's bulk is a strength and weakness, as it limits his bend around the corner. He won't be squeezing the edge as a pass-rusher and must rely on upfield movement to create sacks. In the NFL, Lawson projects as more of a penetrator and disruptor than sack artist.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 269 lbs.

40 Time: 4.70s

3-Cone: 7.16s

Short Shuttle: 4.21s

PRO COMPARISON: Charles Johnson, Carolina Panthers
FINAL GRADE: 7.00/9.00 (Round 1—Rookie Starter)