2016 NFL Mock Draft: Full First-Round Projections, Super Bowl Edition
<p>Throughout the 2015 campaign, the Buccaneers’ pass rush was a mess. The team enjoyed the emergence of Jack Smith as a capable edge rusher, but couldn’t get much more production from their defensive ends. As a result, Tampa Bay will likely search high and low this offseason for an opportunity to add a serious talent on the edge who can rack up consistent sacks.</p><div class=. Defensive End. Clemson. Shaq Lawson. 9. player. 48
So if Lawson is available at No. 9, it would come as no surprise for the Buccaneers to give the Clemson standout a shot. Although it didn’t exactly pan out the last time they drafted a former Tiger to be their star defensive end (remember Da’Quan Bowers?), Lawson displayed the overall ability in 2015 to be a quality starter at the next level.
There will be some concern considering he only spent one year as a starter, but Lawson clearly has the tools to be a playmaker in the NFL. Not only is he strong and explosive off the edge, but he’s stout enough to be a big factor against the run as well. Teamed with Gerald McCoy, there’s no telling how dominant Lawson could be with a few years of coaching and development under his belt.
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9
Shaq Lawson
Defensive End, Clemson
Throughout the 2015 campaign, the Buccaneers’ pass rush was a mess. The team enjoyed the emergence of Jack Smith as a capable edge rusher, but couldn’t get much more production from their defensive ends. As a result, Tampa Bay will likely search high and low this offseason for an opportunity to add a serious talent on the edge who can rack up consistent sacks.
So if Lawson is available at No. 9, it would come as no surprise for the Buccaneers to give the Clemson standout a shot. Although it didn’t exactly pan out the last time they drafted a former Tiger to be their star defensive end (remember Da’Quan Bowers?), Lawson displayed the overall ability in 2015 to be a quality starter at the next level.
There will be some concern considering he only spent one year as a starter, but Lawson clearly has the tools to be a playmaker in the NFL. Not only is he strong and explosive off the edge, but he’s stout enough to be a big factor against the run as well. Teamed with Gerald McCoy, there’s no telling how dominant Lawson could be with a few years of coaching and development under his belt.
Next: 10. New York Giants