Niner Noise
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2016 NFL Draft: 5 Bad Picks for the 49ers

By Bryan Knowles

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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 /

EDGE Shaq Lawson, Clemson

The 49ers have scheduled Shaq Lawson for a private workout, with him flying into town on April 10th, according to NFL.com. Each team gets a limited number of prospect visits, so any time you see a potential first-round prospect coming into town, you have to take notice.

Lawson is a 4-3 defensive end who would move to 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL, much like Joey Bosa would. At 6’3”, 270 pounds, he’s a bit large for an OLB, but that’s not necessarily a negative—he’s built like a freaking tank, but can still put up a 4.7-second 40-yard dash. That’s eye-popping. He’s powerful at the point of attack, able to set an edge or shed blockers on his way to the quarterback. The 49ers had the fifth-fewest sacks in the NFL this season, so an outside linebacker certainly isn’t out of the question.

Lawson has some issues that concern me, however. While a 4.7-second 40-yard dash is good for a man of his size and fantastic for a defensive end, it’s actually below average for your normal outside linebacker. All around, he doesn’t have great athleticism—there’s no glaring flags that would make projecting a move to OLB impossible, but he’d definitely be one of the more lumbering linebackers in the league. That lack of bend, coupled with some issues with his pad level, means he’s not quite a pure pass-rush specialist like the 49ers would be looking for; he’s more of an edge-setter than a full on quarterback hunter. He also got red-flagged at the combine with a shoulder issue of some description, so that’s another thing to keep an eye on. On top of all that, he only has one year of starting experience at college, making him something of a project in the NFL.

Don’t get me wrong, Lawson’s still a first-round selection for some team. He’s just not the quarterback-destroying edge rusher 49ers fans would really hope for. Edge rusher isn’t the 49ers’ most pressing need, but if a Joey Bosa fell to them, they would definitely consider making a play there. Lawson’s no Bosa, and taking him in the top 10 would be a reach for the 49ers’ needs.

Next: Reggie Ragland