Manny Lawson should be our 1st pick

[BigChiefFan]

Manny Lawson, N.C. State (6-5 3/8, 241, 4.45)
Lawson had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his two 40s in 4.43 and 4.46 and recorded a 39½-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-4 long jump, a 4.18 short shuttle, a 6.90 three-cone drill and 23 bench presses. He played defensive end and running back in high school, and qualified for the State track meet in four different events. He played as a true freshman in 2002 and led the nation with three blocked punts. He also competed on the track team in the spring. He started three games in 2003 and won the ACC long jump in track competition with a 24-foot-3½ jump. Last season, he started 11 games at defensive end and had 10½ sacks. Lawson has great athletic ability with above-average toughness. He has very good pass-rush ability and very good quickness. He lacks bulk, but he should be able to put some on. He will be 22 years old in July. I think his best position is defensive end, but he most likely can play outside linebacker and can also be a very good special teams player.

Positives:
A quick pass rusher, Manny Lawson has great size and speed. A sack machine, he is physically gifted and does a great job of using that athleticism to blow through the line. Lawson has great experience and has faced very talented offensive lines, especially in the ACC. He has a very long reach and elusive, quick frame. Lawson also is very effective blocking kicks and punts.


Negatives:
Lawson has definitely benefited from the outstanding play of opposite defensive end Mario Williams. Could add some bulk if he wishes to play DE in the NFL. Lawson needs to become smarter and learn not to primarily use his speed to beat defenders because offensive linemen at the next level are more athletic.


Overview:
Should consider the switch to outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense where he can rush the passer and use his athleticism to drop back in coverage. If he bulks up and adds muscle he could be very similar to a Demarcus Ware type player. Lawson has all the tools that can’t be taught, but needs to mature and become more polished to become a better pure player.


Positives


- Despite playing defensive end at NC State, Manny’s shown he has more than enough athleticism to drop back to play linebacker. He may actually be on of the faster LB prospects in the country, which makes the fact that he played DE fairly astounding. He’s an excellent pass rusher, racking up 7 sacks and 12 tackles for loss last year, but is also very good in run support. Also, he has great size for an Outside Linebacker.

Weaknesses


- Hasn’t played linebacker since his sophomore year, so there’s going to be a natural readjustment period. The first thing that the team that drafts him will have to work on is his coverage skills, because the speed of the game will have changed a great deal from his last LB duty. Plus, he had the benefit of playing across from possibly the best DE in the nation at NC State in Mario Williams, so his numbers may be a little inflated.

Overall Analysis


- The risk/reward value on Manny is one of the highest in the 2006 class. He could never meet his expectations due to the inability to return to the LB position at a high level, or he could turn out to be one of the most dangerous linebackers in the league. Manny’s ideal situation would probably be in a 3-4, which would having him standing up, but also allow the freedom to rush the passer very, very often.


Pros: ATHLETIC, has seen time at both DE and OLB, amazing speed and athleticism for the position, very quick off the bal; great pass rusher with long reach.
Cons: Tweener at both DE or OLB, could add some weight, not very strong, needs to get better against the run, overshadowed by Mario Williams.
Draft Exchange Analysis:
While he may be overshadowed by fellow standout DE Mario Williams, Manny Lawson is something special in his own right. He is incredibly fast (runs a 4.4) and has great size at 6’5” 245 lbs. While Many think that Mario is a better sack artist, Lawson actually lead the team in 2004 with 7 sacks. He has had an equally productive senior season amassing 70 tackles (20 for a loss), with 10 sacks, 21 QB pressures, 1 FF, and a Punt Block. While this may seem too good to be true, Lawson does have his flaws like everyone else. He falls into the Tweener category and would be well suited as a 3-4 OLB. He also could stand to add some weight to his lanky frame and needs to get better against the run. If he can accomplish those things, look for Lawson to be a best in the pros like his Mario.

One Word To Describe Lawson: Athletic / Overshadowed

Most Like: Jason Taylor, Miami Dolphins

Best Fits: Houston, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Miami (3-4 Teams)
Worst Fits: Washington, St Louis, Baltimore


From gopack.com:

In 2004: A second-team All-ACC performer after ranking sixth in the conference with seven sacks for the season ... Former linebacker who ranked third on the team with a dozen tackles for loss and second with 17 quarterback pressures ... Named the Walter Camp Foundation's National Defensive Player of the Week after tallying three sacks in the win over Virginia Tech ... Also earned the ACC's Defensive Lineman of the Week honor for that performance ... Tallied a career-high 10 tackles against Florida State, including three tackles for loss and a sack ... Tied for second in school history with six blocked punts, that mark ranked sixth among current players nationally at the end of the season ... Co-recipient of the 2004 Cary Brewbaker Award, given to the most valuable defensive lineman ... Named the strength index champion for the Wolfpack linemen, he bench pressed 385 pounds, power cleaned 340 pounds, posted a 11'7 broad jump and a 37-1/2" vertical jump.

In 2003: Blocked a punt against Texas Tech and another against Kansas in the Tangerine Bowl ... A demon on special teams, he also scored a touchdown on a blocked punt against UNC ... Saw action at outside linebacker in every regular season contest, starting the Texas Tech and Georgia Tech contests ... Moved to right end in practice prior to the bowl game, he started at that position in the win over Kansas and tallied a seaon-high eight tackles, including a stop behind the line of scrimmage ... In for a season-high 50 snaps versus Texas Tech, he had a season-high seven tackles in that contest as well ... Competed on the track & field squad during the winter and spring, winning the ACC title in the indoor long jump with a mark of 24' 3-1/2 ... Finished second in that event outdoors with a 24'1/2 mark, he finished fifth in the outdoor triple jump (41'1/4) and fourth with the 4x100 meter relay with a time of 41.25 ... Named the Wolfpack's Special Teams Player of the Year .. Named Most Improved Defensive Lineman following 2004 spring drills, he also earned the Defensive Leadership Award ... One of the fastest players on the Wolfpack squad, his vertical jump is higher than the device used to measure that stat.

In 2002: Led the nation with three blocked punts in 2002, that total tied as the third-best single-season mark in school history ... Finished the season strong, with a season-high nine tackles in the win over Notre Dame in the Gator Bowl, he was in for just 21 snaps in that contest ... Had a key stop on a goalline stand, keeping the Irish from scoring any touchdowns ... His best game of the regular season was at Virginia, when he tallied seven tackles, including two third-down stops ... Blocked his first career kick versus UMass, he blocked a punt versus Clemson that Terrence Holt returned for a TD ... Also blocked a punt versus Florida State that was returned for a safety ... Co-winner of the Pack's Most Valuable Specialist award ... Competed with the Wolfpack track squad in the spring of 2003, in his first meet, he won the long jump and the triple jump in the Patroit Games ... Also captured first in the Carolina Heels Challenge in long jump and second in the long jump ... Posted the fastest time in the 60 meter hurdles (indoors) for NC State that season (8.55) ... Earned the Most Dominant Award for defense after spring workouts in 2003.

Prep: Recorded 54 tackles and 11 sacks as a senior for Coach Joe Mitchell... Also rushed for 456 yards ... Named his conference's defensive player of the year following his senior campaign ... Qualified for the state indoor track and field meet in four events: long jump, triple jump, 55-meter dash, and the 55-meter hurdles ... Majoring in industrial engineering ... Born 7/3/84.


http://video.msn.com/v/us/v.htm?g=28...e4846c77f5c&f=

[Tribal Warfare]

Him or a trade down for Tamba Hali

[Rudy tossed tigger's salad]

he is one of 5 or 6 guys I would be very happy with. Im really liking this draft so far

[Mr. Kotter]

The risk/reward value on Manny is one of the highest in the 2006 class. He could never meet his expectations due to the inability to return to the LB position at a high level, or he could turn out to be one of the most dangerous linebackers in the league...

He could be a great pick; but the film I've seen some film of him that confirms that assessment. I've also read places that he seems to take plays off, and not give it 100% every play--or even every game. Then again, people can say that about a lot of players. Who knows....

Anyone see enough of him to really offer an accurate first-hand opinion?

[BigChiefFan]

I've seen him play a few times. He swarms to the ball carrier and uses his speed very well. He also looks like he enjoys knocking the crap out of people.


In 2004: A second-team All-ACC performer after ranking sixth in the conference with seven sacks for the season ... Former linebacker who ranked third on the team with a dozen tackles for loss and second with 17 quarterback pressures ... Named the Walter Camp Foundation's National Defensive Player of the Week after tallying three sacks in the win over Virginia Tech ... Also earned the ACC's Defensive Lineman of the Week honor for that performance ... Tallied a career-high 10 tackles against Florida State, including three tackles for loss and a sack ... Tied for second in school history with six blocked punts, that mark ranked sixth among current players nationally at the end of the season ... Co-recipient of the 2004 Cary Brewbaker Award, given to the most valuable defensive lineman ... Named the strength index champion for the Wolfpack linemen, he bench pressed 385 pounds, power cleaned 340 pounds, posted a 11'7 broad jump and a 37-1/2" vertical jump.

In 2003: Blocked a punt against Texas Tech and another against Kansas in the Tangerine Bowl ... A demon on special teams, he also scored a touchdown on a blocked punt against UNC ... Saw action at outside linebacker in every regular season contest, starting the Texas Tech and Georgia Tech contests ... Moved to right end in practice prior to the bowl game, he started at that position in the win over Kansas and tallied a seaon-high eight tackles, including a stop behind the line of scrimmage ... In for a season-high 50 snaps versus Texas Tech, he had a season-high seven tackles in that contest as well ... Competed on the track & field squad during the winter and spring, winning the ACC title in the indoor long jump with a mark of 24' 3-1/2 ... Finished second in that event outdoors with a 24'1/2 mark, he finished fifth in the outdoor triple jump (41'1/4) and fourth with the 4x100 meter relay with a time of 41.25 ... Named the Wolfpack's Special Teams Player of the Year .. Named Most Improved Defensive Lineman following 2004 spring drills, he also earned the Defensive Leadership Award ... One of the fastest players on the Wolfpack squad, his vertical jump is higher than the device used to measure that stat.

In 2002: Led the nation with three blocked punts in 2002, that total tied as the third-best single-season mark in school history ... Finished the season strong, with a season-high nine tackles in the win over Notre Dame in the Gator Bowl, he was in for just 21 snaps in that contest ... Had a key stop on a goalline stand, keeping the Irish from scoring any touchdowns ... His best game of the regular season was at Virginia, when he tallied seven tackles, including two third-down stops ... Blocked his first career kick versus UMass, he blocked a punt versus Clemson that Terrence Holt returned for a TD ... Also blocked a punt versus Florida State that was returned for a safety ... Co-winner of the Pack's Most Valuable Specialist award ... Competed with the Wolfpack track squad in the spring of 2003, in his first meet, he won the long jump and the triple jump in the Patroit Games ... Also captured first in the Carolina Heels Challenge in long jump and second in the long jump ... Posted the fastest time in the 60 meter hurdles (indoors) for NC State that season (8.55) ... Earned the Most Dominant Award for defense after spring workouts in 2003.

Prep: Recorded 54 tackles and 11 sacks as a senior for Coach Joe Mitchell... Also rushed for 456 yards ... Named his conference's defensive player of the year following his senior campaign ... Qualified for the state indoor track and field meet in four events: long jump, triple jump, 55-meter dash, and the 55-meter hurdles ... Majoring in industrial engineering ... Born 7/3/84.


2003 Lawson Game-by-Game Stats
Opp. Pl. Hit Ast Tot TFL-Yd Sk-Yds QP FC/FR PBU BK
W. Carolina 29 2 0 2
@ W. Forest 23 3 3 6 1-1
@ Ohio St. 29 3 2 5
*Texas Tech 50 6 1 7 1 1/0 1
UNC 35 4 2 6 1-9 1-9 1
*@ GT 45 1 1 2 1-4 1-4
Conn 30 1 1 2
Clemson 27 2 3 5
@ Duke 20 4 2 6 3-14 1-12 1/1
Virginia 41 2 0 2
@ FSU 7 1 0 1
Maryland 16 0 1 1 2 1
*$Kansas 40 4 4 8 1-1 1 1



2004 Lawson Game by Game Stats
Opp. Pl. Hit Ast Tot TFL-Yd Sk-Yds QP FC/FR PBU Blk
*Richmond 37 4 1 5 2-7 1-5 1/1
*Ohio State 47 6 1 7 3-11 1-7 1
*@ Va. Tech 40 5 1 6 3-27 3-27 2
*Wake Forest 32 1 2 3
*@ UNC 37 3 1 4 1
*@ Maryland 47 3 1 4 1-8 1-8 1
*Miami 44 3 1 4 2 1
*@Clemson 48 1 1 2 2
*Georgia Tech 58 3 0 3 2
*Florida St. 44 9 1 10 3-11 1-8 1 0/1 1
*East Carolina 39 1 1 2 5 2



Lawson Career Stats
Year GP-GS Pl Hit Ast Tot TFL-YD Sk-Yd FC/FR PBU Blk
2002 14-0 144 20 15 35 1-5 0-0 1/0 4 3
2003 13-3 392 33 20 53 7-29 3-25 2/1 3 2
2004 11-11 473 39 11 50 12-74 7-55 1/2 5 1
Totals 38-14 1009 92 46 138 20-108 10-80 4/3 12 6

[eazyb81]

He probably should be our pick in the 1st round, but I have my doubts that he will be available at #20. He has been shooting up boards recently and I could see him going as high as #12 to Cleveland.

I agree that there are some good options available for us in the 1st round, but I am starting to think the better ones will be gone by the time we pick.

[BigChiefFan]

You might remember him from blocking a punt against Kansas in the Tangerine Bowl a few years ago.

[jiveturkey]

He's my top choice followed closely by Williams.

I doubt that either will be there at 20 though.

[eazyb81]

Originally Posted by jiveturkey

He's my top choice followed closely by Williams.

I doubt that either will be there at 20 though.

Yep, I don't see us getting as lucky as we did last year....sucks for us.

[Lurch]

Would he be an every down (or most downs) sort of player? This year, I doubt it. Are we going to go to a 3-4? To get him on the field, this year anyway.....means we're going to a 3-4, or he's a situational player. A first round pick for that?

[BigChiefFan]

I think we have ar eally good shot at landing Lawson in the upcoming draft. There are quite a few players that are slated to go ahead of him and his "Tweener" status may keep a few teams from pulling the trigger.

[BigChiefFan]

Originally Posted by Lurch

Would he be an every down (or most downs) sort of player? This year, I doubt it. Are we going to go to a 3-4? To get him on the field, this year anyway.....means we're going to a 3-4, or he's a situational player. A first round pick for that?

Read this interview...

Lawson


Manny Lawson (DE - N.C. State) - Sunday, February 26, 2006:


Q: Would you feel most comfortable as a outside linebacker or a defensive end?
Lawson: Wherever a team wants to put me, so long as I can play.


Q: If you went to a 4-3 team, what weight do you think you come become eventually?
Lawson: The way I look at it, my weight can hold a lot, but I don't want to substitute weight for speed, so I'll probably stop adding weight whenever I start slowing down.

Q: What's the most you've ever weighed?
Lawson: The most I've ever weighed is 247.

Q: Are you going to do all the workouts at the Combine?
Lawson: Yes.

Q: Who all have you met with here at the Combine?
Lawson: The Falcons, Jaguars, Dallas, New York Giants, Tampa Bay...I can't remember all of them. I had eight interviews last night.

Q: How about the Dolphins?
Lawson: I have not met with them. I actually met with them at the Senior Bowl.

Q: Is there a certain way to block punts like you did so much in college?
Lawson: There is a specific technique. Really, I think the knack is ‘want to,' as coach [Chuck] Amato would call it. If you want to get back there, you'll do anything or whatever it takes to get back there.

Q: How do you feel about being compared to linebacker/defensive end tweeners like Willie McGinest?
Lawson: It's crazy because they've done things I have not yet done, so I don't know what to say.

Q: Do you think Mario Williams complemented you as much as you were a complement to him at State?
Lawson: I think it goes both ways. When you see one guy coming around the corner, you're definitely not going to run his way, so you're automatically going to go the other way and into the next guy, who you don't see. I think we both complemented each other.

Q: Are you faster than Mario?
Lawson: By far. It's not even close. Not even.

Q: You did jumps for N.C. State track?
Lawson: Yes. Long jump and triple jump. I ran track all the way up until my junior year. I stopped before my senior year so I could focus more on football and get closer to [weighing] 400 pounds [laughs].

Q: How many reps did you do in the bench?
Lawson: I did 23 reps.

Q: Is that the most you've ever done?
Lawson: Actually, that's the only time I've ever done it.

Q: Where are you training?
Lawson: Phoenix, Arizona. Fisher Sports wish Brett Fisher.

Q: Did you put 25 pounds on before your senior year?
Lawson: Yes.

Q: How?
Lawson: Baked potatoes. Baked potatoes and right after I ate baked potatoes, I went to the gym. Just constantly eating and then working out rather than eating and running and then working out.

Q: How much have you played standing up like a linebacker?
Lawson: I played probably two years to a year and a half.

Q: As a starter?
Lawson: I started against passing teams standing up whenever my talents were needed to cover a tight end or a receiver.

Q: So do you think playing outside linebacker for a 3-4 team would be a huge adjustment for you?
Lawson: I don't feel it will be new to me at all. There may be a technique I have to learn or re-learn or improve upon, but as far as covering somebody, as far as dropping back in zone, I feel I can do it.

Q: So you're very comfortable in dropping into pass coverage?
Lawson: Very. I've been dropping into pass coverages all throughout my years even as a defensive end.

Q: How accomplished of a pass rusher do you feel you are?
Lawson: I'm pretty much still learning. I'm going to always be learning. I feel I have a variety and array of pass rushing moves that I can use and that will work, but if you really want to look at it, I've only been playing defensive end at the collegiate level for two years. So I'm still new to the game.

Q: Would you liken your abilities to anyone currently in the NFL, or is there anyone you model your game after?
Lawson: The guy who I look up to is a guy about my size, my height: Jason Taylor. And another guy is Dwight Freeney, because I wish I had the spin move to where I could keep spinning and spinning and somehow end up at the quarterback. I just can't do it.

Q: Who's the better end, you or Mario Williams?
Lawson: Better end? Better looking is me hands-down. We both have our days. Sometimes I'll end up with a good day and sometimes he'll end up with a good day. I've been rated as an athlete ad he's your prototypical end.

Q: You were voted your team's most valuable defensive lineman the past two seasons. Who votes on that?
Lawson: The team votes, the coaches vote.

[eazyb81]

Originally Posted by Lurch

Would he be an every down (or most downs) sort of player? This year, I doubt it. Are we going to go to a 3-4? To get him on the field, this year anyway.....means we're going to a 3-4, or he's a situational player. A first round pick for that?

Many successful DEs came into the league at the same weight Lawson is now and they were able to transition into everydown players.

Maybe Lawson will be an everydown guy this year, maybe he won't.....however, I don't think that's the point. If he creates havoc and gets in the backfield consistently when he is on the field, then he is definitely worth a 1st round pick in my eyes.

We have NO ONE on this team that has the natural pass rush ability that he has, and adding a player like that to this defense will help immensely.

[eazyb81]

Originally Posted by BigChiefFan

I think we have ar eally good shot at landing Lawson in the upcoming draft. There are quite a few players that are slated to go ahead of him and his "Tweener" status may keep a few teams from pulling the trigger.

I would be shocked if Cleveland, Miami, and Dallas passed on him. He would be a textbook version of what you want in a pass rushing OLB in a 3-4 system.

[BigChiefFan]

Originally Posted by eazyb81

I would be shocked if Cleveland, Miami, and Dallas passed on him. He would be a textbook version of what you want in a pass rushing OLB in a 3-4 system.

Cleveland may go DT if Ngata is available.

Miami's priority is corner help after losing Surtain AND Madison.

Cowboys would be a good fit, but I believe they look to the future and pull the trigger on Cutler and surprise alot of people.

All 3 teams would be a good fit, but I can see them passing, too and going in another direction.