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2017 NFL Draft Big Board: Here are your top-10 edge prospects

By Dan Dahlke

Sep 19, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) reacts after making a sack during the first quarter against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Kyle Field. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) reacts after making a sack during the first quarter against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Kyle Field. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Carl Lawson (55) sacks Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Kyle Shurmur (14) during the fourth quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn won 23-16. Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Carl Lawson (55) sacks Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Kyle Shurmur (14) during the fourth quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn won 23-16. Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Carl Lawson, Auburn (6-2, 253) — Film Grade: *83.0

Quick Take: Lawson is an effective pass rusher. He led Auburn last year in sacks (9) and tackles for loss (15.5) in 2016, but he also finished amongst the CFB leaders in quarterback hurries with 24. The 6-foot-2, 253-pound defensive end packs a lot of explosive power out of his stance.

He’s not an elite athlete that will bend the edge, but he does possess an array of pass rush moves, including a powerful rip move and an effective bull rush.

Lawson can convert speed to power, but he also has a nice counter inside move that can take advantage of tackles who overset to the outside.

The Auburn product is a very disruptive player, but his limited lateral movement and extensive injury history could hurt his draft stock.

Traits: 1. Athletic Ability (7/10)  2. Play Speed (4/5)  3. Mental Processing (4/5)  4. Play Strength (8/10)  5. Impact (9/10)  6. Run Defense (9/10)  7. Pass Rush (13/15)  8. Hands/Length (8/10)  9. Explosiveness (9/10)  10. Coverage (3/5)  11. Motor/Pursuit (9/10)

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