Blogging Dirty
FanSided

Atlanta Falcons: Updated 2016 Mock Draft

By Eric Robinson

Sep 19, 2015; Fort Worth, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs wide receiver Josh Doctson (9) catches a touchdown pass past Southern Methodist Mustangs defensive back David Johnson (4) during the first half at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Fort Worth, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs wide receiver Josh Doctson (9) catches a touchdown pass past Southern Methodist Mustangs defensive back David Johnson (4) during the first half at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next

Round 1, Pick 17: DE Shaq Lawson, Clemson, 6’3 275 lbs

Nov 28, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) sacks South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Perry Orth (10) during the first half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) sacks South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Perry Orth (10) during the first half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /

Coming in dead last in sacks in 2015, it’s safe to say that the pass rushing still needs a spark or two. Other needs (WR, S, LB) could also be addressed in this spot but Quinn gets a little lucky and takes advantage of having the talented Lawson there at 17. While Lawson may not be the best “fit” for the 4-3 “under” scheme, 36.5 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks the past two seasons at Clemson are stats that are hard to sleep on or ignore for that matter. Lawson could fit into a rotation with Beasley, Clayborn (if he returns), Schofield, and more than likely another free agent acquisition to give Quinn and defensive coordinator Richard Smith a solid five man rotation at defensive end while still able to kick Clayborn or Lawson inside with Ra’Shede Hageman or Grady Jarrett on third down/passing downs. Excuse me if I’m getting ahead of myself.

Other names to consider: LB Darron Lee, LB Jaylon Smith, DL Robert Nkemdiche, DE Kevin Dodd