With the New York Giants holding the No. 10 overall selection in the 2016 NFL Draft, they should be able to grab a player who can have an immediate impact. One guy who would fit the Giants perfectly is Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson who had a better combine than many expected.
His ability shows on game tape and not in drills like the combine. However, he still put up a 4.70 40-yard dash and showed off above average agility for the position. He is coming off a season that saw him lead college football with 25.5 tackles for loss while also recording 12.5 sacks, including two in the national championship game against Alabama.
He is the type of all-around defensive end the Giants could use. His pass rush skills are still raw, but he does show flashes of being a consistent pass rusher. Lawson lacks elite speed of an edge rusher, but he makes up for that with his motor and power. His best asset is against the run, so he can stay on the field for all three downs.
Lawson is ideal for the Giants’ 4-3 scheme and would be able to instantly step in and contribute. He is tough and passionate, two things the Giants need along the front line. He reminds more than a few of Justin Tuck with more pass rushing upside, and Tuck went on to have a pretty good career.
The Giants can instantly plug Lawson in and expect him to contribute right away in a rotation that will likely include Jason Pierre-Paul and/or Robert Ayers and a free agent. Lawson would get better as the season wore on and should emerge as a leader a couple of years down the road.
Giants GM Jerry Reese can’t afford to take chances with his picks this year. They need to find the best player available at positions of need without off-field problems. Lawson is a safe play with massive upside and should be the Giants’ choice if he is still available when they pick in the first round.
