2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............

[|Mitch|]

Originally Posted by ChrisXVI

Shaq Lawson is an excellent football player. Lawson isn’t, however, an exceptional edge rusher.

He looks pretty good to me:

Shaq Lawson Highlights || Nation's Best Lineman - YouTube

Shaq Lawson Highlights || Nation's Best Lineman - YouTube

Shaq Lawson Official Highlights | Clemson DE - YouTube

Shaq Lawson Official Highlights | Clemson DE - YouTube

[ChrisXVI]

I think Shaq Lawson would be a perfect fit at strong side DE replacing Bobby Richardson in our base defense. Cam Jordan did pretty darn well on the weak side so I feel confident leaving him there.

[exile]

I'm not sold on Lawson. I think Dodd will make a better pro.

[|Mitch|]

Kevin Dodd vs. Shaq Lawson | 2016 NFL Combine Face Off - YouTube

Kevin Dodd vs. Shaq Lawson | 2016 NFL Combine Face Off - YouTube

Kevin Dodd Clemson DE || 2015 Highlight Mix - YouTube

Kevin Dodd Clemson DE || 2015 Highlight Mix - YouTube

Kevin Dodd*, DE, Clemson
Height: 6-5. Weight: 277.
40 Time: 4.86.
Projected Round (2016): 1-2.
3/12/16: Sources at some teams are grading Dodd in the second round, but across the league, team contacts expect him to go in Round 1. Dodd had a decent performance at the combine and didn't harm his draft stock.

Dodd put an exclamation point on his breakout 2015 season with a tremendous National Championship game against Alabama. He abused the Crimson Tide's right tackle with speed and power to record three sacks of quarterback Jacob Coker.

After being buried on the depth chart in previous seasons, Dodd and Shaq Lawson were able to make life hard on quarterbacks in 2015. Dodd totaled 62 tackles with 23.5 for a loss, 12 sacks, and one forced fumble on the year. He had a total of 21 tackles over his previous three years. Dodd entered the 2016 NFL Draft, but he probably would have had a better shot at the first round if he had one more productive year in college before turning pro.


Shaq Lawson*, DE, Clemson
Height: 6-2. Weight: 269. Arm: 32.75.
40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2016): 1-2.
3/12/16: At the combine, Lawson ran fast and did well in the team drills. He showed that he could be a fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Some teams have second-round grades on Lawson, but like with Dodd, they wouldn't be surprised if he goes in the first round.

Lawson played well for Clemson in 2015 and was a quality defender against the run while also putting steady pressure on the quarterback. He totaled 60 tackles, 25.5 tackles for a loss, 12.5 sacks and one forced fumble on the year. Lawson turned in strong performances against Louisville and Notre Dame. He is a smooth defender who has some natural pass-rushing skills, but isn't explosive or super twitchy. For the NFL, Lawson fits a 4-3 defense, but he isn't a good fit in a 3-4.

8/22/15: In 2014, Lawson was part of Clemson's tough defense as a rotational backup. He totaled 34 tackles with 11 for a loss and 3.5 sacks. Lawson played better than the numbers indicate as he only started one game due to the presence of three seniors, including Vic Beasley. Clemson was so loaded at defensive end that it was hard for snaps to go to the sophomore Lawson. He is being counted on to replace Beasley this season.

[hagan714]

Dodd + Lawson = one year wonders?

Lawsons upside is flexibility. He moved so well at the combine I think some 34 teams now may view him as an option at OLB. Still a reach IMO but in a 43 as a DE that can drop into space in basic zone coverage allowing others to rush is well with in his skill set. Lawson doing so well in the LB drills at the combine put him back on my short list at 12.

As edge setters they both are solid. I say Lawson is better.

As a pass rusher I still have to go with Lawson. Neither will lead the NFL in sacks. But both will get more than their fair share of hurries and hits. Lawsons pass rush style is more a JJ Watt type. He is no JJ Watt lets make that clear but he has a solid set first and secondary pass rush moves. Nothing to do with speed around the edge but interior pass moves while maintaining gap assignments is the best way to put it. Since Cam is the player we must stop now I think this is a must have skill set.

Dodd I am not sure what to make of to be honest. Dodd bothers me with a second half season of impact plays after a first half of nothing really special. The factor was DJ Reader return to the field. Always has always will stick out to me and cause me pause on the kid. My conclusion? DJ freed up Dodd to make the plays he did.

Move down get a pick or two and ending up with Dodd? I might sit well with it. Depending on who those other picks get us.

But I go back to 1 year wonders (?) for both.

[brees84]

Twitter

[jeanpierre]

Dodd v. Lawson?!? Dodd all day...

At the end of the day, you can banter back and forth and come up with a nearly even stack of apples and oranges...

...just use the advice the late Jim Finks offered - when both players are nearly equal, take the bigger one...

[ChrisXVI]

Vote for Saints pick in the reader mock draft...

WalterFootball.com: Reader 2016 NFL Mock Draft

[jeanpierre]

Twitter

Chatty Cathy - Not good, Not good at all - Y'all can take him off of Sean Payton's draft board...

Sua, Coach Payton doesn't geaux for the social media thing...

[K Major]

Don't look too much into that comparison card JP. Su'a is super athletic.

Put him at the WILL and let him roam.