Shaq Lawson

Lawson entered the 2015 season with more buzz than production, but officially broke out as a junior with an FBS-leading 24.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks and now projects as a top 20 pick. "this #90 is a difference-maker!," an AFC scout message NFLDraftScout.com's Dane Brugler while watching Lawson work against Notre Dame's highly-touted left tackle Ronnie Stanley in October. Lawson finished the game with seven tackles, including 3.5 of those stops for loss, beating Stanley with quickness and power. Lawson announced on Dec. 8 that he planned to enter the NFL Draft following the College Football Playoff. "I'm going to declare for the draft," Lawson said. "I sat down with my family, sat down with the support staff at Clemson. I enjoyed being at Clemson, but it's time. I'm ready for the next level."

lawson needs to do a better job with his recoil to reset and react to inside runs.

COMPARES TO

pernell mcphee, chicago bears - like mcphee, lawson lacks ideal height and length, but both are well built with violent hands, ball awareness and versatility. only one season as a starter.

IN OUR VIEW

strengths

Lawson's compact frame and power make him equally effective against the run and the pass, where he shows surprising initial quickness and agility as well as a terrific motor. He has quick, strong hands to create push with his upper-body strength, showing the fluid lower body to drive his legs and smoothly change directions based on his reads.

lawson's heavy hands allow him to stack and hold his side of the line of scrimmage. he is a power player with the lower body athleticism to be equally dominant against the run and the pass, putting his draft value in the early rounds.

--Dane Brugler/Rob Rang (1/11/16)

lawson is terrific leveraging blocks off the edge, using an iron shoulder and natural body flexibility to dictate his path and beat single blocks. does a nice job setting the edge and playing contain, working off his blocks to the outside and finishing in space.

WEAKNESSES

Rated as the No. 1 prep school prospect in the nation and No. 1 prep school defensive end at Hargrave Military Academy by 247Sports.com

No. 3 player in South Carolina by Rivals.com

top-300 All-American by PrepStar

had 99 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, nine sacks and five caused fumbles as a senior

had 100 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 13 sacks and two touchdowns as a junior

played in the North/South All-Star game, where he was named defensive MVP

defensive MVP in the Offense/Defense All-American Bowl

coached by Randy Robinson at Daniel High School and Troy Davis at Hargrave Military Academy

recruited by Dan Brooks and Chad Morris.

Majoring in parks, recreation & tourism management

born June 17, 1994.