As 49ers.com runs down the list of top prospects in the 2016 NFL Draft, we continue our "Meet the Prospect" series with Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson.The Basics
Clemson is on a nice run of producing quality defensive linemen. Last year, it was Vic Beasley, who went eighth overall to the Atlanta Falcons. Now, it's Lawson's turn to own the spotlight. Lason had monster numbers as a junior in 2015. He led the nation with 24.5 tackles for loss and recorded 12.5 sacks. The standout numbers earned him consensus All-American honors. Lawson's production also helped lead Clemson to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
Lawson is considered to be one of the top pass-rushers in this year's draft class. NFL Network's Mike Mayock has the former Tiger as his third-ranked edge-rusher, behind Ohio State's Joey Bosa and Georgia's Leonard Floyd.Measurables
Height: 6-3
Weight: 269
Arm length: 32 3/4 inches
Hand Size: 10 inchesNFL.com Pro Comparison
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Courtney Upshaw.Best College Game
Although Clemson lost to Alabama in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, Lawson battled through a shoulder injury and recorded two sacks. The two takedowns of Crimson Tide quarterback Jake Coker marked Lawson's fourth-straight game recording a sack.Combine Statistics
40-yard dash: 4.70 seconds
Vertical jump: 33 inches
Broad jump: 120 inches
3 cone drill: 7.16 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.21 secondsMock Draft Connections
NFL Media's Bucky Brooks – No. 7 overall pick (San Francisco 49ers)
NFL Media's Charles Davis – No. 12 overall pick (New Orleans Saints)
ESPN's Mel Kiper – No. 19 overall (Buffalo Bills)What the Media is Saying…
"Lawson's compact frame and power make him equally effective against the run and the pass, where he shows surprising initial quickness and agility as well as a terrific motor. He has quick, strong hands to create push with his upper-body strength, showing the fluid lower body to drive his legs and smoothly change directions based on his reads." – CBS Sports’ Dane Brugler
"Lawson is a high-energy defensive end who plays with a good mixture of relentlessness, technique and discipline. He's an excellent run-defender, but at this stage, he's not as consistent as you'd like to see in a pass-rusher. Lawson makes a ton of effort plays on tape and brings a great work ethic and intangibles to the table." – ESPN’s Todd McShayFun Fact
Lawson attended Hargrave Military Academy in South Carolina for one year before going to Clemson. He joined the Tigers program as the No. 1 ranked prep school prospect and the No. 3 player in the state of South Carolina.Must-see Video
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