Fansided

2017 NFL Draft: Luke Falk continuing to improve

By George Stockburger

Nov 12, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) drops back for a pass against the California Golden Bears during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Cougars won 56-21. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) drops back for a pass against the California Golden Bears during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Cougars won 56-21. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive tackle Montravius Adams (1) and defensive lineman Carl Lawson (55) sack Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason (10) during the second quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive tackle Montravius Adams (1) and defensive lineman Carl Lawson (55) sack Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason (10) during the second quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Stock Up: Carl Lawson, DL, Auburn

Auburn has developed defensive linemen such as Nick Fairly, Jay Ratliff and Dee Ford over the past 10 years. Junior defensive lineman Carl Lawson is headed down a similar path of excellence paved by his Tigers predecessors. In fact, he is approaching Fairly’s single-season sack record of 11.5 set in 2010.

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Lawson has recorded nine sacks this season, and has just two games without one in the box score. He has a relentless motor, and finishes every play like it’s his last. That shows on the tape, and comes up in the sack category.

Not only does Lawson play well as a pass rusher, but he can defend the run better than any one at his position. He’s a disruption in the backfield, and has taken on some of the top offensive linemen in the country (Laremy Tunsil) and manhandled them.

When looking at players, I love to see versatility. Lawson can play either as a 4-3 defensive end, 3-4 outside linebacker, or a 4-3 tackle in certain situations. Should a teammate go down, you know Lawson will fill the role perfectly and not miss a beat.

Lawson has missed time with an ACL and hip injury in his career, playing only seven games last season. He nearly declared for the 2016 NFL Draft, but opted to stay one more season. That decision looks to have paid off, as he is healthy and more dominant than ever.

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