NFL Draft: Five rookies who had quietly strong seasons in 2017

Carl Lawson, Cincinnati Bengals

Drafted: Round 4, Pick 116
Position: Defensive End
Season Statistics: 16 games played, 16 tackles, 8.5 sacks
Pro Football Focus Grade: 80.6

The Cincinnati Bengals have undergone significant changes during Marvin Lewis’ polarizing tenure as head coach. Cincinnati’s inability to win a single playoff game during Lewis’ 14 years at the helm has ultimately resulted in key players leaving in free agency or having their windows wasted.

In 2017, the Bengals hit the ball out of the park with a fourth-round selection that provided first-round value to an organization in need of it.

Against all odds, Lawson led all rookies in sacks with 8.5—1.5 more than any other first-year player. While Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt stole headlines, it was Lawson who proved to be the most efficient pass rusher amongst the rookies in 2017.

Expected by many to simply compete for a spot in the Bengals’ rotation of edge defenders, he instead became their ace from the right side of the line.

Lawson recorded a quarterback pressure on 16.3 percent of his pass rushing snaps. For perspective, that’s a higher mark than those posted by Pro Bowl edge defenders such as Calais Campbell (15.8), Kahlil Mack (15.3), and Joey Bosa (15.3).

Only time will tell if Lawson can become a more well-rounded player, but he’s headed in the right direction as a potentially elite pass-rushing specialist.