Shaq Lawson-DE/OLB-Clemson

Originally posted by Travisty13:

Originally posted by NYniner85:


I don't get the limited in terms of pass rush? He was one of the best pass rushers in college this past season. one of his big pluses is that he is strength.

STRENGTHS Built like a tank with thickly muscled legs and a broad chest. Clemson played him at 5-­technique and standing up on the outside. Scheme versatile and will likely appeal to be 3­-4 and 4-­3 teams. Very powerful at the point of attack. Able to punch, extend arms and control the line of scrimmage or set a hard edge. Able to shock and shed blockers and has the hand quickness to staggered block attempts. Power allows him to play on other side of the line. Finished second in the nation in "stuffs" for defensive linemen with 17. Comes off ball low and with forward lean into his rush. Has frame to handle a double team. Has plus instincts and feel for the game. Toughness in full display.

He's biggest issue is arm length, bum shoulder, and he's not really a bend around the edge flexible pass rusher. I don't think he's a top 10 pick but he's one of the best if not the best OLB in this draft IMO.

Why didn't you post the entire scouting report of him? Cause it wouldn't fit your point? It reads like he's going to be a good player against the run and not as a pass rusher.

Weaknesses
Thickly bound with very average flexibility. Average athlete for an end position. Not a natural hip bender and will have to focus on keeping pad level lower to unlock his leverage potential. Shows obvious signs of fatigue as game wears on. At times, is too content to lean on blocks when play isn't run to his side rather than working to discard. Will have snaps where he seems more concerned with imposing his will on blocking rather than diagnosing the play. Doesn't have the bend or upper body flexion to be edge turner as pass rusher. Effort sacks will diminish in pros and will need to become more nuanced pass rusher.

Sources Tell Us
"I see Shaq as an outside linebacker in a 3-4. He's not the guy you want to turn loose against the quarterback, but he is the guy that will make it hard for tight ends to block him in the run game. We knew we couldn't run at him and it changed how we called plays." -- ACC offensive coach

NFL Comparison
Courtney Upshaw

Bottom Line
Productive backup for two years before putting together an All­-American season in his first year as a full- time starter. Lawson is built like a full­-grown man and combines his instincts, toughness and power to fill up a stat sheet and set an early tone. Lawson's frame and game are easily translatable to the NFL, but his average athleticism and pass rush skills will likely have teams viewing him as a 3­-4 edge setter or a 4-­3 base end. Lawson may also have value as 3­-4 defensive tackle in an upfield scheme.

I've seen him compared to Upshaw alot, and that's not a bad thing, Upshaw is a fine player, but he's not a good pass rusher (5 career sacks) and makes his living playing the run well. And just for fun I'll leave a link to Courtney Upshaw's scouting report. It sounds eerily similar to Lawson's. http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/courtney-upshaw?id=2532964

I was pointing out what wailers15 said that he wasn't gonna be strong enough at the NFL level, which just isn't true at all....it's one of his strengths.

I think comps are silly I've also seen him compared to Elvis Dumervil as well. IF we drafted based on comps then we need to draft Vernon Butler at 7 who's comparison on NFL.com is Wilk or treadwell who get's compared to DeAndre Hopkins, Dez Bryant, or Jeffery all the time. IMO Lawson is a much better pass rusher than Upshaw is currently. I don't think he's a top 10 pick but is probably on of the best 3-4 OLB in this draft.

Exactly. Worrying about comps is so stupid. Each person is their own man. Everyone has different work ethic, different love for the game, different leadership ability, etc.

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by Travisty13:

Originally posted by NYniner85:


I don't get the limited in terms of pass rush? He was one of the best pass rushers in college this past season. one of his big pluses is that he is strength.

STRENGTHS Built like a tank with thickly muscled legs and a broad chest. Clemson played him at 5-­technique and standing up on the outside. Scheme versatile and will likely appeal to be 3­-4 and 4-­3 teams. Very powerful at the point of attack. Able to punch, extend arms and control the line of scrimmage or set a hard edge. Able to shock and shed blockers and has the hand quickness to staggered block attempts. Power allows him to play on other side of the line. Finished second in the nation in "stuffs" for defensive linemen with 17. Comes off ball low and with forward lean into his rush. Has frame to handle a double team. Has plus instincts and feel for the game. Toughness in full display.

He's biggest issue is arm length, bum shoulder, and he's not really a bend around the edge flexible pass rusher. I don't think he's a top 10 pick but he's one of the best if not the best OLB in this draft IMO.

Why didn't you post the entire scouting report of him? Cause it wouldn't fit your point? It reads like he's going to be a good player against the run and not as a pass rusher.

Weaknesses
Thickly bound with very average flexibility. Average athlete for an end position. Not a natural hip bender and will have to focus on keeping pad level lower to unlock his leverage potential. Shows obvious signs of fatigue as game wears on. At times, is too content to lean on blocks when play isn't run to his side rather than working to discard. Will have snaps where he seems more concerned with imposing his will on blocking rather than diagnosing the play. Doesn't have the bend or upper body flexion to be edge turner as pass rusher. Effort sacks will diminish in pros and will need to become more nuanced pass rusher.

Sources Tell Us
"I see Shaq as an outside linebacker in a 3-4. He's not the guy you want to turn loose against the quarterback, but he is the guy that will make it hard for tight ends to block him in the run game. We knew we couldn't run at him and it changed how we called plays." -- ACC offensive coach

NFL Comparison
Courtney Upshaw

Bottom Line
Productive backup for two years before putting together an All­-American season in his first year as a full- time starter. Lawson is built like a full­-grown man and combines his instincts, toughness and power to fill up a stat sheet and set an early tone. Lawson's frame and game are easily translatable to the NFL, but his average athleticism and pass rush skills will likely have teams viewing him as a 3­-4 edge setter or a 4-­3 base end. Lawson may also have value as 3­-4 defensive tackle in an upfield scheme.

I've seen him compared to Upshaw alot, and that's not a bad thing, Upshaw is a fine player, but he's not a good pass rusher (5 career sacks) and makes his living playing the run well. And just for fun I'll leave a link to Courtney Upshaw's scouting report. It sounds eerily similar to Lawson's. http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/courtney-upshaw?id=2532964

I was pointing out what wailers15 said that he wasn't gonna be strong enough at the NFL level, which just isn't true at all....it's one of his strengths.

I think comps are silly I've also seen him compared to Elvis Dumervil as well. IF we drafted based on comps then we need to draft Vernon Butler at 7 who's comparison on NFL.com is Wilk or treadwell who get's compared to DeAndre Hopkins, Dez Bryant, or Jeffery all the time. IMO Lawson is a much better pass rusher than Upshaw is currently. I don't think he's a top 10 pick but is probably on of the best 3-4 OLB in this draft.

I agree tho its cool and fun to compare size speed and so on that's the only way you could compare bc players play different..i seen 1 mock that had comparisons and every player taken in the 1st 2 rounds were compared to either stars or great players..like every team is going to hit on their pick lol and no bust..and with all that said I seen a comparison to Lawson I liked..Shawne Merriman..and I would not mind that is its true and we take Lawson..minus Merriman injuries tho..

Originally posted by jersey49er:

I agree tho its cool and fun to compare size speed and so on that's the only way you could compare bc players play different..i seen 1 mock that had comparisons and every player taken in the 1st 2 rounds were compared to either stars or great players..like every team is going to hit on their pick lol and no bust..and with all that said I seen a comparison to Lawson I liked..Shawne Merriman..and I would not mind that is its true and we take Lawson..minus Merriman injuries tho..

Minus the suspension too, please.

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by wailers15:
Oh i agree he shows that but I see him as one of those players that dominated the college level but will struggle in the pros. Like Tank to say the least. Totally different game too.
We shall see though. I would rather have reed from bama.

You'd rather have Reed over Shaq?? Reed is a DT and brings literally nothing as far as pass rush (two career sacks). He's a two down run stuffer. tank should have never been a 3-4 DE, he should have been a 3-4 OLB for us.

Originally posted by wailers15:
Great college player but I don't see him transitioning that to the next level.
I think he's very limited in terms of a pass rusher. He doesn't posses that strength that's going to blow tackles away.

I don't get the limited in terms of pass rush? He was one of the best pass rushers in college this past season. one of his big pluses is that he is strength.

STRENGTHS Built like a tank with thickly muscled legs and a broad chest. Clemson played him at 5-­technique and standing up on the outside. Scheme versatile and will likely appeal to be 3­-4 and 4-­3 teams. Very powerful at the point of attack. Able to punch, extend arms and control the line of scrimmage or set a hard edge. Able to shock and shed blockers and has the hand quickness to staggered block attempts. Power allows him to play on other side of the line. Finished second in the nation in "stuffs" for defensive linemen with 17. Comes off ball low and with forward lean into his rush. Has frame to handle a double team. Has plus instincts and feel for the game. Toughness in full display.

He's biggest issue is arm length, bum shoulder, and he's not really a bend around the edge flexible pass rusher. I don't think he's a top 10 pick but he's one of the best if not the best OLB in this draft IMO.

See I don't see him being as solid as an OLB in a 3-4. He's more of a 4-3 player. we have seen this a lot lately where players his size are put at the OLB spot and have a hard time transitioning. Does he have fluid hips in turning around side to side when in coverage? If he is to move to the OLB spot he has a lot of work to do.
Look I think he was a beast at Clemson, and he showed it, especially as an End. He has shown he has a high motor, but I would rather have an END guy or a NT since we have no depth there

He dropped into coverage and rushed out of 2-point stance at Clemson. there is no transition to be made.

Originally posted by wailers15:
See I don't see him being as solid as an OLB in a 3-4. He's more of a 4-3 player. we have seen this a lot lately where players his size are put at the OLB spot and have a hard time transitioning. Does he have fluid hips in turning around side to side when in coverage? If he is to move to the OLB spot he has a lot of work to do.
Look I think he was a beast at Clemson, and he showed it, especially as an End. He has shown he has a high motor, but I would rather have an END guy or a NT since we have no depth there

well we aren't drafting a NT in the top 10 and I'm all for Buckner if there and Goff is gone. IMO value of importance position wise on a football team goes

1-QB
2-LT
3-pass rush (for us 3-4 OLB)

we need pass rush and a lot of it with Chip's offense hopefully making the other's team more one dimensional. I think Shaq in a trade down makes a ton of sense. Who have we seen on our team that's gone from a DE to a OLB and had issues? Also you said his issue was lack of strength at the next level and that's just not true.

Originally posted by Heroism:
He dropped into coverage and rushed out of 2-point stance at Clemson. there is no transition to be made.

thank you

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by wailers15:
See I don't see him being as solid as an OLB in a 3-4. He's more of a 4-3 player. we have seen this a lot lately where players his size are put at the OLB spot and have a hard time transitioning. Does he have fluid hips in turning around side to side when in coverage? If he is to move to the OLB spot he has a lot of work to do.
Look I think he was a beast at Clemson, and he showed it, especially as an End. He has shown he has a high motor, but I would rather have an END guy or a NT since we have no depth there

well we aren't drafting a NT in the top 10 and I'm all for Buckner if there and Goff is gone. IMO value of importance position wise on a football team goes

1-QB
2-LT
3-pass rush (for us 3-4 OLB)

we need pass rush and a lot of it with Chip's offense hopefully making the other's team more one dimensional. I think Shaq in a trade down makes a ton of sense. Who have we seen on our team that's gone from a DE to a OLB and had issues? Also you said his issue was lack of strength at the next level and that's just not true.

I think Buckner would do more for the defense than Lawson, or any other edge guy in this draft. Immediate inside pressure breaks offenses, and AA with BB would have the interior 3 on skates on every passing down. That's brutal for a QB o deal with, whether or not we get the sack.

I'm still a "Goff at 7" guy, though.

Originally posted by WRATHman44:

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by wailers15:
See I don't see him being as solid as an OLB in a 3-4. He's more of a 4-3 player. we have seen this a lot lately where players his size are put at the OLB spot and have a hard time transitioning. Does he have fluid hips in turning around side to side when in coverage? If he is to move to the OLB spot he has a lot of work to do.
Look I think he was a beast at Clemson, and he showed it, especially as an End. He has shown he has a high motor, but I would rather have an END guy or a NT since we have no depth there

well we aren't drafting a NT in the top 10 and I'm all for Buckner if there and Goff is gone. IMO value of importance position wise on a football team goes

1-QB
2-LT
3-pass rush (for us 3-4 OLB)

we need pass rush and a lot of it with Chip's offense hopefully making the other's team more one dimensional. I think Shaq in a trade down makes a ton of sense. Who have we seen on our team that's gone from a DE to a OLB and had issues? Also you said his issue was lack of strength at the next level and that's just not true.

I think Buckner would do more for the defense than Lawson, or any other edge guy in this draft. Immediate inside pressure breaks offenses, and AA with BB would have the interior 3 on skates on every passing down. That's brutal for a QB o deal with, whether or not we get the sack.

I'm still a "Goff at 7" guy, though.

Oh yeah I have Goff/Buckner/Jack as one of my hopefuls at 7...Shaq isn't a top 10 pick IMO but I think if all three of the guys I mentioned are gone a trade down and landing Shaq would be a solid plan B.

Since Ian Williams' Niner future is somewhat cloudy, I think it makes more sense to upgrade the DL before adding more pass rushers. There's a lot to like about Lawson, Calhoun and a number of others in this draft. Buckner is the best DL in this draft...he's a Kelly guy and would allow Dial to shift inside to NT while Ian's recovering. Armstead - Dial/Williams - Buckner could arguably the best young front 3 in the league in terms of pure talent. Then, add pass rushers, LB's and secondary...to put them in better positions to be effective. We know how important a stout front 3 is...so this is a great opportunity for Baalke to make that happen.

I'm with you guys. I want Buckner above all, but I just don't see him getting passed baltimore. I don't think any of the guys on my wishlist(Goff/Wentz/Buckner/Jack) will be there.


I am ok if Baalke takes shaq at 7 because he isn't going to last much longer(NFL.com mocks project him at 9,11&13). I think shaq would be a quality addition to the core of young players to build around.

Originally posted by Heroism:
I'm with you guys. I want Buckner above all, but I just don't see him getting passed baltimore. I don't think any of the guys on my wishlist(Goff/Wentz/Buckner/Jack) will be there.


I am ok if Baalke takes shaq at 7 because he isn't going to last much longer(NFL.com mocks project him at 9,11&13). I think shaq would be a quality addition to the core of young players to build around.

IF the guys you want aren't gonna be there then one of these 3 Ramsey, Tunsil, or Bosa will be honestly unless Baalke goes full potato at 7 there is gonna be one fine player sitting there at 7.

1.) tunsil
2.) wentz
3.) ramsey
4.) goff
5.) jack
6.) buckner

is how i see it playing out

not a fan of bosa at all as a pass rusher. I'll take shaq over Bosa. Bosa isn't nearly as active and tenacious as shaq, and he gets locked up way too easily. he doesn't have a devastating pass rush move like shaq's counter-inside spin. What I really like is how shaq will use his bull rush and his dip n rip to set it up. He sets up tackles like a pitcher with the change up and the fast ball. Go back and watch the Clemson ND game. Ronnie Stanley could barely keep up, and when shaq pulled out the spin move, Ronnie and the guard had to double drag shaq down by the waist to save his qbs ass. The news coming about Bosa refusing to take a drug test sealed his fate in my eyes.

Just My opinion.

49ers GM Trent Baalke was on-hand to watch Clemson edge rusher Shaq Lawson's private club workout on Thursday.

"When I found out the GM was coming," Lawson said, "that told me something about how serious they are about me. He makes the decisions on the team, he's going to draft guys, so with him there, it was more pressure, but I liked that." The 6-foot-3, 270-pounder added, "He's the main guy, he picks the players." A nagging shoulder injury was flagged during the NFL Scouting Combine last month, but Lawson has expressed little concern over it, saying flat-out, "My shoulder is fine." Fine or no, he will be undergoing a medical recheck once we hit April.