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Dallas Cowboys 2017 NFL Draft: Five Defensive End Prospects

By Ronald Smith

Sep 3, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back James White (20) is tackled by defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes (47) and defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley (98) and linebacker Jayon Brown (12) during a game at Kyle Field. Texas A&M won in overtime 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back James White (20) is tackled by defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes (47) and defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley (98) and linebacker Jayon Brown (12) during a game at Kyle Field. Texas A&M won in overtime 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Carl Lawson (55) sacks Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Kyle Shurmur (14) during the fourth quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn won 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Carl Lawson (55) sacks Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Kyle Shurmur (14) during the fourth quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn won 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /

 Carl Lawson, DE – Auburn

Strengths

The defensive end from Auburn is a very balanced package in terms of his rushing ability and run defense.  He has strong hands and uses them well whether he is fighting of a blocker on his way to the quarterback or to tackle the ball carrier.

He has an explosive first step when he times the snap correctly and has enough explosion around the edge to win with speed.  Once around the corner he also displays very impressive closing speed to get after the passer.

The strength he posses in his hands is among the best in this draft class.  He also has impressive lower body strength which is a big part of the reason he has an effective bull rush to add to his arsenal of tools.

Weaknesses

The elephant in the room with Carl is his injury history.  A popular saying in the NFL is that the “best ability is availability”.  Unfortunately Lawson hasn’t been all that available, having missed 19 games in his time with the Auburn Tigers.

Another thing that shows up on tape is a lack of consistency.  His explosive first step isn’t witnessed on every snap; often times he gets out of the blocks a bit slower than his explosiveness suggest.  He also has a habit of giving up on plays were it would be preferred to see him continue in pursuit.

Outlook for the Dallas Cowboys

I think with this draft being rich in defensive ends Lawson’s injury history will see him slide.  That history, and the questions about his motor, makes him a bad fit for the Cowboys at 28.

I think he will make an excellent defensive end provided he can stay healthy and give consistent effort.  Aside from not being the ideal size he has all the tools to be successful.  Enough speed to win around the edge and better hands than most in this draft class.  How far he goes is up to his effort and his health.

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