NFL Mock Draft 2016: Cleveland commits a heist

Clemson. Shaq Lawson. 9. player. 48. <p>This is probably a reach, but it isn’t as big of a reach as Tampa Bay’s “most likely” option would be.</p> <p>There has been a ton of chatter throughout the draft process that the Bucs could be linked to Florida cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III and I just don’t see it in the top ten. Yes, Tampa Bay needs help at cornerback in a bad way, but it would be too aggressive in my mind to invest in Hargreaves III now and, to be honest, pass rush is actually a bigger need for the Bucs in my mind.</p> <p>Enter Shaq Lawson, who happens to be the best defensive end on the board at this point. It is fair to say that he probably isn’t worthy of a top ten investment given his measurables, but Lawson’s tape is very, very good and no one is arguing about his production at the college level. The former Clemson star produced 25.5 tackles for loss in his final college season, and Lawson is quite safe in that you know he will be productive at the NFL level, regardless of where he lands.</p> <p>It wouldn’t be a shock if Tampa Bay went with a cornerback or even an offensive tackle (Jack Conklin?) to play on the right side. Still, Lawson makes the most sense for me, even with the caveat that I am higher on him than most.</p>. DE