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Atlanta Falcons: Is Shaq Lawson a realistic pick in first round?

By Colin Hubbard

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) reacts during the third quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) reacts during the third quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Can we really expect Shaq Lawson to be available at pick 17 for the Atlanta Falcons?

We are inching oh so close to the 2016 NFL draft that will take place in just a few short weeks and with that we have more and more mock drafts pouring in.

While mock drafts are rarely ever right, Mel Kiper might be the only one you an actually trust and he mocked Clemson pass rusher Shaq Lawson to the Atlanta Falcons earlier this week.

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This is very intriguing being that many believed Lawson would be long gone before the Falcons are on the clock at pick 17. Lawson has been linked to at least three teams picking in front of Atlanta including the Dolphins and Saints but according to Kiper, they will not pick him and would have him fall into the Falcons’ lap.

Is a Lawson to Atlanta deal actually realistic? Or is Kiper just making us feel great before draft night and then stab us in the back when our bitter rival Saints take him before we can. Even though Kiper is known for his mock drafts, I still wouldn’t trust this pick one bit. Lawson is arguably the best pure pass rusher in this draft class and to think that a team wouldn’t take him before 17th just doesn’t seem possible.

Lawson has great NFL size and he’s quicker than expected. Lawson ran a 4.70 40-yard dash which was fourth-best amongst defensive ends and at 6-foot-3, 269 pounds, that is tremendous. His great 40-yard dash time is enough to push his stock up a few picks and that might wind up being the reason why the Falcons can’t get him in the draft.

Some question whether or not Lawson will be a 10-sack a year guy. Some think he will top out at around 7-8 sacks a season but to think he can’t pull of 10-sack seasons after learning in his first two seasons just isn’t fair to say. He will likely be going up against left tackles if the Falcons were to draft him and definitely has the tools to be a really good rusher for a long time.

If Lawson is there he is likely the pick for the Falcons. But, if he’s not, the way they draft could change drastically. There is a very good chance that Atlanta has a select few players that they are willing to take at 17 and if they are all gone, they will trade back.

Next: Atlanta Falcons updated mock draft

We will see how things pan out when draft night actually arrives at the end of April.