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Why The Chicago Bears Should Draft Shaq Lawson From Clemson

By Jake Lehnerer

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jake Coker (14) is sacked by Clemson Tigers defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) during the second quarter in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jake Coker (14) is sacked by Clemson Tigers defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) during the second quarter in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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The overall consensus seems to be that the Chicago Bears will look to build their defense with their early picks in the 2016 draft.  The Bears defense ranked in the bottom half of the league last year and John Fox is a defensive coach so this is no surprise.  But coming off a 6-10 season and finishing last in the NFC North division, the Bears cannot afford to make a bad draft pick.  This is why they should be looking at Shaq Lawson, defensive end from Clemson.

Shaq Lawson has put together quite an impressive college career at Clemson and has positioned himself to be ranked as a top 15 pick in the draft.  The Chicago Bears have the 11th pick in the draft and are one of the teams rumored to be a good fit for Lawson.  He is the type of defensive end that can really turn a team’s defense around.

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During Lawson’s freshman year at Clemson he had 35 total tackles, 4 sacks and 10 tackles for loss.  His sophomore year Lawson had 44 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss.  Then he was made a starter and defensive captain for his junior year in 2015 and Lawson recorded 78 tackles, 9.5 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss.  He was named a first team All-American by the Associated Press and also a finalist for the Hendricks Award, Lombardi Award and Nagurski Trophy.  Lawson clearly has the power and presence to effect the run and pass, his 22.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks led Clemson who made it to the National Championship game but lost to Alabama.

Shaq Lawson’s mentor at Clemson was Vic Beasley Jr. who was the 8th pick of the draft last year, the Atlanta Falcons made Beasley their starting defensive end.  Lawson took over the defense at Clemson after Beasley left, leading them all the way to the National Championship, but he learned from the best under Beasley.  Beasley recorded 20 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and an interception in his rookie year.  Lawson could possibly continue to follow in Beasley’s footsteps putting up these numbers or better in his rookie year in the NFL.

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Buffalo Bills 2023 Free Agent Profile: Shaq Lawson
Buffalo Bills 2023 Free Agent Profile: Shaq Lawson /

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    • The defensive end has proven to be one of the most important positions in the NFL, it is the position that can make or break a team and effect the entire game.  The top five sack leaders in the NFL are all defensive ends including J.J. Watt who had 17.5 sacks and is one of the best players in the NFL.  Watt is a true example of how a defensive end can turn a bad team into a playoff contender.  Lawson can possibly give the Bears defensive the push they need.

    The Bears have certainly made some moves during the off-season to improve their defense but the best teams find their star players in the draft and hold onto them.  Shaq Lawson could be that star the Bears need to be a playoff contender again.  He has already proven that he can take a team to the championship in college and has learned under some very talented players.  Lawson may be just the right player John Fox and the Bears are looking for.

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