The Cleveland Browns had trouble pressuring quarterbacks and stopping the run during the 2019 season. To help fix that they should take a close look at LSU defensive tackle Rashard Lawrence.
One of the reasons the Browns defense struggled so much was their inability to stop the run. Teams would run all game on them and they had no punch back. On the season, they gave up 144.7 yards per game, which was 30th in the league.
Lawrence is a big-bodied defensive tackle that is 6-foot-3 and 317 pounds. He is a clog in the middle that has a game that should transition well to the NFL. Even with his big body, he has some speed that helps get him off the line quickly.
Thedraftnetwork.com gave the following review of his game.
Wide and barrel-chested. There’s very little bad weight on his frame and it is evenly distributed throughout. Mature top half and bulky arms are often put to good use with initial strikes and lock out/leverage attempts. Heavy presence in the team locker room.
Lawrence doesn’t operate outside of his limited parameters often. His short areas quickness is one of his greatest assets as he isn’t a great athlete for a long period of time or when he’s forced to cover a lot of grass. He maximizes the opportunities presented within those given areas. In LSU’s multiple front scheme, he’s played 1, 3, and 5-technique, and shows the versatility to be effective in a 3 or 4-down defensive front.
He has also been praised as a great teammate and student. There should be no character concerns with him heading into the NFL. One of his big knocks has been closing speed on players. If he feels like a player is out of his reach, he will give up on the play rather than chase him. The good news is that is something that can be improved with just a little more effort. And, in theory, with some coaching from the Browns.
Where he is going to be drafted seems to be all over depending on who is talking. The combine and pre-draft workouts are going to be important to try and improve his stock, but right now it seems he will be drafted somewhere between the second and fourth round.
The Browns can address a different need early in the draft and get him with one of their next couple of draft picks. Lawrence might be a rotational player early, but he should turn into an impact player for whoever drafts him.
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