Positional ranking: #3

Big Board ranking: #7

 

Overview

Position: DL

College: Clemson

Class: Junior

Age: 21

 

Measurables

Height: 6’4 1/2″

Weight: 342 lbs.

Arm length: 34 3/4″

Hand size: 10 1/2″

 

Athletic testing

40-yard dash: 5.05 sec.

Vertical jump: DNP

Broad jump: DNP

Bench press: 36 reps

3-cone drill: DNP

Short shuttle: DNP

 

Strengths

Unfair combination of size and athleticism for a defensive lineman. Possesses extreme raw power. Engulfs blockers. Demands double teams. Has great length and knows how to use it to his advantage. Intelligent and aware. Agile with nimble feet. Quick at the snap. Easily sheds blockers in one-on-one battles. Doesn’t let ball-carriers or quarterbacks get away when in range. Scheme versatile with the natural ability to play the 3-technique if needed. Uses pure power to push the pocket as a pass rusher. Hustles to make plays up and down the line of scrimmage. Seemed to be loved by Clemson coaches and teammates.

 

Weaknesses

Can get too high at times. Likely needs some development as a pass rusher to be a consistent three-down defender at the next level. Missed 2019 College Football Playoff due to suspension for failed PED test.

 

NFL comparison

Linval Joseph – Baltimore’s monster defender Brandon Williams is another possible comp, but Lawrence is nearly three inches taller with more length; instead, Linval Joseph fits as a versatile space-eater that can play defensive tackle, 3-4 defensive end, or nose tackle.

 

Conclusion

Overall, Dexter Lawrence is a dominant defensive lineman with superhuman power and underrated quickness for an interior defender of his size. Even at a position that teams might not view as a priority, I think Lawrence’s upside makes him a top-ten prospect.