Manny Lawson | The War Room | HoustonProFootball.com 
Defensive End/Outside Linebacker
Manny Lawson
College: North Carolina State
Year: Senior
Height: 6’5"
Weight: 240
Birthday: July 3, 1984
When considering Manny Lawson’s raw speed and explosiveness, it is important to remember that he is a rush end, not a wide receiver or defensive back. As a freshman and sophomore, Lawson competed on the Wolfpack track team in the long jump, triple jump, hurdles, and 4 x 100 relay. He should put on a show at the combine, as he reportedly runs a 4.4 40, can vertical jump 39”, and broad jump 11’7”.
Lawson began his college career as an outside linebacker and didn’t become a fulltime defensive end until his junior season. Big plays have been his specialty, and NC State coach Chuck Amato compares him to four-time Pro Bowler Peter Boulware, who Amato coached at Florida State. Lawson has been a special teams star throughout his tenure with the Wolfpack, blocking seven punts and recovering another for a touchdown.
At 240 lbs., Lawson would be a liability against the run as an end in a 4-3 scheme. He is better at chasing down plays than fighting through blocks and stuffing runs right at him. He also needs to continue to refine his game by developing pass rush moves and hand techniques.
Lawson has the tools to be a great 3-4 outside linebacker, especially since he has experience playing from a two-point stance and dropping into coverage. If a 4-3 team drafts him, he could play in the nickel package until he adds enough muscle to also contribute as a weakside end on running downs, which he appears to have the frame to do. He should have an immediate impact as a special teamer regardless.
(profile written by Warren DeLuca)
Manny Lawson’s 2005 Stats G TCK TFL SKS FF FR 12 58 19.5 10.5 1 1 
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