Cincinnati Bengals: Taking stock of team’s young talent

Carl Lawson

2017 stats: 15 tackles, 8.5 sacks

2017 Pro Football Focus Edge Grades (445 snaps): 81.6 overall, 84.5 pass rush, 45.7 run defense, 62.5 coverage

Lawson is the cream of the crop for Cincinnati’s 2017 draft class. He has led all the Cincinnati rookies in snaps and is behind only Geno Atkins in sacks on the team. He definitely has been an inseparable part of a pass rush that’s been able to pick up 40 sacks through 15 games (tied 7th in the NFL).

There’s a reason Lawson hasn’t been discussed more on a national level, however. While his 445 snaps lead his team’s rookies, it is still relatively low when compared with many of the top rookies across the league. That’s mainly because he’s also been a one-dimensional option; while his pass-rush skill has proven capable, he is a liability against the run.

Also not helping his case: when the games have mattered most, he’s been inconsistent with making an impact. He got 2.5 sacks on Aaron Rodgers as Cincinnati tried to avoid an 0-3 start, but with Cincinnati entering December clinging onto slim playoff hopes at 5-6, he proceeded to pick up zero and apply little-to-no pressure for three straight weeks.

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The struggles and limitations he has shown this year are something to remember going forward, but even if Lawson tops out as a pass-rush specialist he can be a key member of this team for years to come. Right now, he’s been part of a deep rotation; even if he becomes a dominant, multi-faceted asset, his team will probably lean towards trying to keep that dynamic intact throughout his career.

Whatever he becomes, it should be as a part of this defense for many seasons to come.