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Dallas Cowboys Draft: Pass Rusher could be a hidden gem

By Cameron Caldwell

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 /
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The Dallas Cowboys have some major decisions to make this offseason, and this pass rushing prospect could be a part of the solution as a huge possible hidden gem.

The Dallas Cowboys have a very difficult and grueling task this offseason: Find an effective defensive end. Someway or another, America’s Team needs to add a prolific pass rusher to their roster. And Auburn’s Carl Lawson could very well be the answer.

There has been talk of the Cowboys looking at Lawson to fill this specific need. Being an Auburn fan, I have watched the young man play for the last four years.

Lawson has great size at 6-foot-2, 253 pounds. He is very quick off the line and has a great football IQ. And in my opinion, he is a tremendous person off-the-field as well.

During freshman year, Lawson recorded four sacks despite limited snaps. His signature play was a fourth-and-goal stop on Alabama running back T.J. Yeldon in the infamous 2013 Iron Bowl.

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The biggest question for Lawson is no doubt his inability to stay healthy for a full season. In 2014, he tore an ACL in the preseason and missed the entire year. In 2015, he cracked his hip and missed nearly two months.

This is the biggest threat to Lawson’s draft stock. Undoubtedly, it is a big concern. But it could also work out in his favor. The team that takes a chance on him could be getting a Pro Bowl-level player.

When all is said and done, there is no doubting Lawson’s productivity on the field. His 9.5 sacks last year were 4th in the SEC. The junior was 8th in the SEC in tackles for loss with 14.0 in 2016.

A rookie can become a leader on an NFL team in his first year. This is clearly evident in Dallas after the year both quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott had. The Cowboys defensive line would greatly benefit from possessing similar sudden impact players with their leadership qualities.

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If this former Tiger can stay healthy, I believe Carl Lawson can take this Dallas Cowboys pass rush to another level and keep it there for years to come.

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