Carl Lawson

in our view

Lawson is perhaps this year's greatest litmus test for each team's durability threshold. When healthy, he is a proven difference-maker, showing the initial quickness and power every team is looking for as an edge rusher.

strengths

While shorter than scouts would prefer for an edge rusher, Lawson's compact, powerful build makes him a difficult draw for opposing linemen. He possesses the explosive burst to challenge the corner and can overwhelm would-be blockers with strength as a bull-rusher once he senses them leaning. Lawson is quicker to the quarterback than his five career sacks would suggest, accelerating smoothly when he has a clear lane. Lawson's power and balance show up in the running game, where he's often able to lock-out against bigger opponents because of his knee bend, proper arm extension and core strength. He is a powerful tackler, selling out and leaving his feet to explode into ballcarriers. Lawson shows good hand-eye coordination and grip to rip at the ball as when other defenders are in position to make the tackle, forcing three fumbles over his career. He was voted a team captain in 2015 and 2016 and is highly regarded by the Auburn coaching staff for his commitment on and off the field.

compares to

Dwight Freeney, Atlanta Falcons - The fact that Freeney has lasted 15 seasons in the NFL is a testament to the value clubs place on explosive edge rushers, as well as his own ability to stay healthy. That, of course, is the biggest concern with Lawson, who possesses a similar combination of burst and power as the 6-1, 268 pound former 2002 first round pick by the Colts.

weaknesses

While powerfully-built, Lawson lacks ideal height and length, limiting his potential to impact passing lanes, as his zero career passes defensed and blocked kicks suggest. Further, while swift in a straight-line, Lawson does not show ideal flexibility when turning the corner or changing directions. He is able to do so in part because his height allows him to dip under the reach of tackles but Lawson shows some stiffness in his hips (as many players with his bulked-up build do), raising some question as to whether how well he'd be able to handle a stand-up edge rusher role or drop into coverage. Comes with significant medical questions, including a torn ACL in 2014 and hip injury in 2015 that each required surgery and forced Lawson to miss 19 of 26 games over those two seasons.

2014: Missed the entire 2014 season due to a torn ACL suffered during spring practices.

Top-ranked defensive end with exceptional pass rush ability

78 tackles, 44 TFL, 27 sacks as a senior for Coach Howie DeCristofaro at Milton High

87 tackles, 31 TFL, 15 sacks as a junior

247Sports, Under Armour All-America first team

ranked No. 1 DE, No. 24 overall by 247Sports

top ranked DE, No. 4 player overall by Rivals

Under Armour All-America Game

PrepStar No. 6 player nationally, No. 2 defensive end

Scout ranks him No. 7.

Major at Auburn: Human Development and Family Studies

birthday is June 29

son of Carl Lawson and Mignon Gregory

father played fullback for Georgia Tech.

2016