According to multiple reports, Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson will declare for the 2016 NFL Draft and forgo his final year of eligibility with the Tigers. The All-ACC first-teamer has compiled 55 tackles as a junior, including 9.5 sacks and 22.5 total tackles for loss.
A finalist for the 2015 Lombardi Award, which is given annual to the best lineman or linebacker in college football, Lawson was one of the top players on a Clemson defense that is leading the ACC in sacks this season. At 6-3 and 270 pounds, he projects as a defensive end at the next level.
Lawson is projected as a first-rounder in this year’s draft by CBS Sports, which considers him to be the No. 3 defensive end prospect.