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The Buffalo Bills were expected to address their stop unit early in the 2016 NFL Draft, and they did just that in the first round. The team selected Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson with the No. 19 overall pick to add a difference maker for their defensive front. Lawson is a great fit for the team’s defense and should help to replace the now departed Mario Williams.
During his final season at Clemson, Lawson was an absolute stud. He totaled 12.5 sacks and a nation-leading 24.5 tackles for loss on the year. He was constantly disruptive for the Tigers and really helped them en route to their College Football Playoff appearance. In the playoff, he produced a lot despite a knee injury that limited his mobility in the two contests.
In Buffalo, Lawson will have a chance to start right away across from Jerry Hughes. He should be an excellent complement to the proven pass rusher, and if given enough playing time he could be a threat to produce double-digit sacks on the season, provided that he can stay healthy.
That last part is a big if, though. In the draft process, it was revealed that Lawson had some medical red flags. One was in regards to his shoulder, and that was the main reason why he was available for so long. Reportedly, Lawson will require surgery at some point on that shoulder that will sideline him for 4-6 months. Currently, he is planning on getting it after the 2016 season, but if he tweaks it in season, he could miss some time. Still, the Bills thought it checked out enough to take him with their top pick.
Also, Rex Ryan is very familiar with the Clemson program since his son played there, so one has to imagine that he knows what he is getting in Lawson. Hopefully the team is getting a guy who will play hard no matter what, as that is what Lawson appeared to be in college.
Overall, getting Lawson was a good move for the Bills. The team should be in a good position on the defensive line, and they can now focus on addressing their linebacking corps during day two of the draft.
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