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2017 NFL Draft: Final Round 1 Mock for All 32 Picks

By Peter Panacy

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Auburn defensive end Carl Lawson speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Auburn defensive end Carl Lawson speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Carl Lawson. 31. player. 44. . EDGE. Auburn

Edge rusher Vic Beasley is a beast for the Atlanta Falcons. But one can only imagine what his numbers might be if teams were forced to scheme against someone else as well.

The Falcons have a few defensive needs, but finding someone to pair with Beasley should be atop Atlanta’s to-do list.

Auburn’s Carl Lawson still carries some major worries after numerous injuries in 2014 and 2015. If these aren’t factors at the next level, the investment is well worth the risk.

Lawson, at 6-foot-2 and 261 pounds, is a bit undersized to be an every-down EDGE at the next level. But he could surely wind up being a rotational player and situational pass-rusher.

This would give Atlanta’s budding defense a much-needed presence.