Fansided

2019 NFL Mock Draft: Dexter Lawrence continues to rise

By Rucker Haringey

CLEMSON, SC - SEPTEMBER 2: Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence #90 of the Clemson Tigers #90 celebrates a tackle against the Kent State Golden Flashes on September 2, 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Todd Bennett/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC - SEPTEMBER 2: Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence #90 of the Clemson Tigers #90 celebrates a tackle against the Kent State Golden Flashes on September 2, 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Todd Bennett/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
25 of 32
Next
JACKSONVILLE, FL – DECEMBER 30: Montez Sweat #9 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs reacts after a tackle for loss against the Louisville Cardinals during the TaxSlayer Bowl at EverBank Field on December 30, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Bulldogs won 31-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL – DECEMBER 30: Montez Sweat #9 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs reacts after a tackle for loss against the Louisville Cardinals during the TaxSlayer Bowl at EverBank Field on December 30, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Bulldogs won 31-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

. Defensive End. Mississippi State. Montez Sweat. 25. player. 49

If Clay Matthews keeps accruing personal fouls at his current rate he’ll be forced to retire at the end of the 2018 season. In all seriousness, the Packers do need to start shopping for a long-term replacement for their veteran edge rusher.

Montez Sweat would be an excellent choice. He reminds you a lot of Matthews when you watch him on film. Sweat has the speed to play outside linebacker as well as defensive end. He’ll need to add weight to thrive in the NFL, but his frame should allow him to carry some additional pounds.

What scouts really like about Sweat’s college tape is the motor he plays with. He’s got untapped potential, but he’s already a double-digit sack guy for the Bulldogs. He’s not the sort of player that NFL coaches are going to need to work hard to motivate on a weekly basis.

If the Packers don’t go with a guy like Sweat, it will be because they want a more traditional defensive lineman. Finding a replacement for Muhammad Wilkerson should also be on the team’s shopping list this offseason. We like Sweat’s potential more than the more traditional options available at this point in the mock.

Home/NFL Mock Draft