Carl Lawson NFL Draft 2017: Scouting Report for Cincinnati Bengals' Pick

Measurables

Height	Weight	40 Time	Arm Length	Hand Size	3-Cone
6'1 ¾"	261 lbs	4.67s	31 ½"	10 ⅜"	7.46s

POSITIVES

A two-year starter at Auburn, Carl Lawson has a thick, muscular frame with chiseled arms, giant hands and tree-trunk legs. He’s explosive off the snap, giving slow-footed tackles little chance of putting up a fight. He has great hands and is creative and relentless with a full arsenal of pass-rush moves. Lawson has power to toss tackles aside or drive them into the quarterback’s lap. He can plant his foot to bend into the pocket. Tight ends and running backs don't stand a chance against him. His play reaches new heights with better competition; he beat Laremy Tunsil multiple times. He shows good containment and leverage as a run defender on the edge. 

NEGATIVES

Lawson has long-term injury concerns and has missed time with a torn ACL and a cracked hip. He plays a bit stiff at times and has slow lateral movement. Short arms and an overall lack of length show up on film as tackles can quickly get their hands into his frame. Lawson is a non-factor in the run game and is an ideal fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker or situational edge-rusher. His poor three-cone time indicates weak balance and agility, and both can show on film. Lawson's short arms make him a poor fit in a 3-4 defense that looks for length on the edge or requires the versatility to play defensive end.
 

PRO COMPARISON: Noah Spence, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

FINAL GRADE: 6.45/9.00 (Rookie Impact—Round 3)

Follow your favorite teams and leagues in the new B/R app. Get the app and get the game.