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
4 of 32
Next
CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 02: Clelin Ferrell #99 and Dexter Lawrence #90 of the Clemson Tigers embrace as they run to the sideline during the Tigers’ ACC Football Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes at Bank of America Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 02: Clelin Ferrell #99 and Dexter Lawrence #90 of the Clemson Tigers embrace as they run to the sideline during the Tigers’ ACC Football Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes at Bank of America Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /

Clemson. Dexter Lawrence. 4. player. 50. . Defensive Tackle

We’re listing Lawrence as a defensive tackle at the moment, but we believe there’s a very good chance he ends up as a defensive end at the next level. That’s just how athletic he is. He’d be playing defensive end for almost every school in the country this season.

Clemson just happens to have an embarrassment of riches along the defensive line. They play Lawrence inside because it allows them to get their best four guys on the field at the same time.

The perfect use for Lawrence at the next level would be to play him as a two-way defensive end on first and second down and then slide him inside to rush the passer on obvious passing situations.

No matter where Lawrence is deployed, he’s a disruptive force. Injuries limited his production in 2017, but his tape already looks more explosive this season. Lawrence doesn’t have the resume that Oliver or Bosa can boast, but his ceiling is just as high. Expect to see a lot of teams spend a lot of time evaluating him in the pre-draft process. Not many mock drafts have him this high, but he’s a good bet to continue to rise all the way until April’s big event.

Home/NFL Mock Draft