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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) /
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BATON ROUGE, LA – SEPTEMBER 08: LSU Tigers linebacker Devin White (40) tackles Southeastern Louisiana Lions tight end Bransen Schwebel (88) during the LSU Tigers 31-0 win over the Southeastern Louisiana Lions on September 08, 2018, at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Andy Altenburger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BATON ROUGE, LA – SEPTEMBER 08: LSU Tigers linebacker Devin White (40) tackles Southeastern Louisiana Lions tight end Bransen Schwebel (88) during the LSU Tigers 31-0 win over the Southeastern Louisiana Lions on September 08, 2018, at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Andy Altenburger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

It’s always a little bit dangerous to draft a linebacker who can’t rush the passer this high. With that being said, Devin White is worthy of a high first round pick.

Given everything that NFL teams ask their linebackers to do, it’s reasonable to think teams will start to invest more in the position. Specifically, finding linebackers who can cover offensive players in space is going to become a requirement for teams.

That’s where White really stands out on film. He’s got the speed to run with slot receivers in the SEC. NFL teams might not ask him to do that on a regular basis, but it’s a really interesting option for creative defensive minds. At the very least, White is a linebacker who can stay on the field during every phase of the game. That’s a real luxury for defensive coaches.

Defensive playmakers will always have big value in the NFL and White is a player who can turn games with his athleticism. It’s going to take a creative staff to get the most out of his skill set, but he’s got All-Pro potential. The Redskins would be smart to snap him up.

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