2016 NFL Draft: Updated report on Auburn’s Carl Lawson
By Jon Dove
Throughout the year I’ll be updating the information from my early scouting reports. These updates will come as specific prospects show something to alter my original thoughts.
Auburn’s Carl Lawson has had another season where he dealt with some injury issues, but has recently got back in the lineup. Durability concerns will plague Lawson’s draft stock with him likely getting put through a lot of medical testing if he decides to enter the draft. However, this is still a very talented player with great potential.
Lawson’s play against Ole Miss and Laremy Tunsil was a great example of his upside. He used a wide-array of pass rush moves to work his way into the backfield. His hand usage is his best skill set as he’s able to work with power and quickness.
He features the heavy hands and upper body strength to control the movement of the blocker. This clip shows Lawson gaining inside hands and pulling Tunsil off balance:
Lawson also does a good job delivering a power jolt which creates space and opens things up for him to push the blocker into the pocket. He used this move later in the game against Tunsil and was able to knock Tunsil off balance.
The rest of the year will determine Lawson’s chances of coming off the board in the 1st round of the 2016 NFL Draft. His health will be the first thing most scouts monitor because he has already established himself as one of the better pass rushers in this draft class.