Atlanta Falcons host Demarcus Lawrence
Boise State Broncos defensive end Demarcus Lawrence speaks at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
The Atlanta Falcons are in the market for some help at offensive tackle, and they are also looking to add an impact pass rusher. There is a chance of the Falcons trading up with the St. Louis Rams to snag Jadeveon Clowney, who is the best player in the draft class and would be a huge addition for the Falcons, but they could also stay put with the sixth pick in the 2014 NFL Draft and snag an elite offensive tackle like Jake Matthews or Greg Robinson. In that case, Thomas Dimitroff would address the team’s need for a pass rusher later on, and Boise State Broncos edge rusher Demarcus Lawrence could be the pick.
ESPN NFL Nation’s Vaughn McClure reports that the Atlanta Falcons are hosting Lawrence on a pre-draft visit today, and he’s also set to visit the Dallas Cowboys soon. Many teams are working out the talented, intriguing speed rusher, and he has the production with over ten sacks and 20 tackles for loss to his name last season.
Lawrence was one of the draft’s best kept secrets, but now he is rising up draft boards as more people realize his excellent talent and potential. There is no doubt that he is an interesting prospect to watch due to his athletic ability and flashes at Boise State, and many people believe that he wasn’t correctly used by the Broncos in college. That will make him more valuable in the NFL, as teams love to get their hands on talented prospects who could break out with better coaching and a more suitable role.
Although Lawrence is worth taking in the late first round, it’s unclear if he’s risen up boards enough to be taken in the first. If he’s available for the Falcons in the second round, then he would be an excellent pick for them. I wouldn’t count on him being available then, but there’s still a solid chance he’ll be there.