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It is abundantly clear that New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese is overhauling the NFL‘s worst defense. He will probably use pick No. 10 overall in the 2016 NFL Draft to bolster the defense, and he should have plenty of options to choose from in a draft deep in defense. One name that has been associated with the Giants is Clemson DE Shaq Lawson.
Lawson is one of the best all-around defensive ends in the draft. He plays the run and pass well but does need to get more consistent in rushing the quarterback, something he has worked on throughout his collegiate career. He does possess some natural pass-rushing skills but needs to refine them to be a consistent threat at the next level.
The Giants re-signed Jason Pierre-Paul to a one-year contract and signed Olivier Vernon to a five-year deal which gives them their two starters for 2016. They also have Owa Odighizuwa who missed most of his rookie year due to injury, but he is someone the Giants believe can become a pass-rushing threat with more work. With Pierre-Paul back on only a one-year deal and Odighizuwa an unknown commodity, the Giants could use their first-rounder this year to add another defensive end, and Lawson should be available for them at No. 10.
The one thing that sticks out when watching Lawson on tape is his motor. He doesn’t stop until the whistle. As a freshman in 2013, he totaled 30 tackles, 9.5 for loss and four sacks. In 2014, he totaled 34 tackles, 11.5 for loss and 3.5 sacks. He put it all together last season with 59 tackles, 24.5 for loss which led the nation and 12.5 sacks.
He has a nice combination of size and speed, at 6-foot-3, 270 pounds with a 4.8 40-yard dash time at the combine. He is quick and plays with a ton of effort that seems to make up for other deficiencies. Lawson might not be a consistent pass rusher in the NFL, but he will get there often enough to be a factor. He reminds me a little of Justin Tuck, a solid all-around defensive end who could put up double-digit sack numbers every now and then.
If this is going to be Pierre-Paul’s last season as a Giant, then they would be smart to add an affordable defensive end somewhere in this draft. Lawson would be able to contribute right away and could develop into a locker room leader and stable force on the end.
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