Deontae Lawson LB Alabama | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Deontae Lawson LB Alabama
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| PLAY STYLE: BOX LB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 09/21/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.60 seconds (79%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 21.9 DOB: 02/11/2003 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| PLAY STYLE: BOX LB | |
| Last Updated: 09/21/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.60 seconds (79%*) | |
| Age: 21.9 DOB: 02/11/2003 | |
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| Overall Rating: | 83.7 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
| Offense Rating: |
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80% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Tackling: |
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69% |
| Pass Rush: |
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79% |
| Run Defense: |
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88% |
| Coverage: |
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58% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
3rd
Overall Rank:
#94
Position rank:
#4
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| College Games: 33 College Snaps: 1687 | ||
ESPN RATING: 84/100
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247 RATING: 98/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.9 (97%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cedric Gray - North Carolina |
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81% |
| Nick Hampton - Appalachian State |
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80% |
| Tommy Eichenberg - Ohio State |
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79% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Deontae Lawson entered Alabama as a highly-touted four-star recruit out of Mobile Christian School in Alabama. A unanimous top-55 national recruit, Lawson was rated as the #3 inside linebacker by multiple recruiting services. He made an immediate impact for the Crimson Tide, playing in four games as a true freshman before redshirting in 2021.Lawson's role expanded significantly in 2022, as he appeared in 11 games with four starts, recording 51 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. He truly came into his own as a redshirt sophomore in 2023, starting 11 games at middle linebacker and finishing second on the team with 67 tackles. Lawson added 5.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and 4 pass breakups, earning recognition as a Butkus Award semifinalist.
The Mobile, Alabama native showcased his versatility and athleticism throughout his college career. In high school, Lawson racked up over 100 tackles as a junior while also contributing over 500 yards of offense as a running back and wide receiver. His combination of size, speed, and instincts made him a key cog in Nick Saban's defense.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Sideline-to-sideline range with quick-twitch athleticism; closes on ball carriers with impressive burst and acceleration
- Thumper in the box; delivers bone-jarring hits and consistently wraps up, limiting yards after contact
- High-level processor with excellent play recognition; rarely bites on misdirection or play-action fakes
- Disruptive blitzer off the edge or through interior gaps; times his rushes well and shows good bend around blockers
- Scheme versatile; comfortable playing downhill in the box or dropping into zone coverage in space
- Plus length and frame; has room to add functional mass without sacrificing mobility or fluidity
- Natural playmaking instincts; consistently finds himself around the ball and in position to make impact plays
- Core special teams contributor; four-phase ability adds immediate value to NFL roster
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Struggles to disengage once blockers latch on; needs to develop a more diverse arsenal of hand-fighting techniques
- Takes inconsistent angles to the ball in space; can overpursue and leave cutback lanes for shifty ball carriers
- Man coverage skills are a work in progress; can be exploited by savvy route runners in one-on-one situations
- Lacks ideal bulk and play strength for inside linebacker; can get washed out by combo blocks in the run game
- Relies too heavily on highlight-reel hits; needs to focus on consistent form tackling to improve efficiency
Scouting Report: Summary
A high-ceiling, three-down linebacker prospect with the versatility to fit multiple defensive schemes. Displays the range and athleticism to excel in space, with the instincts and physicality to be a force between the tackles. Flashes playmaking ability as a blitzer and shows potential in zone coverage, but needs refinement in man-to-man situations.Best fit is likely as a WILL in a 4-3 or inside backer in a 3-4 scheme that emphasizes aggression and pursuit. Has the tools to develop into a defensive signal-caller with added experience and continued mental development. Special teams value provides a solid floor as he acclimates to the speed of the NFL game.
With proper coaching and physical development, could emerge as a reliable starter and defensive playmaker by year two or three. Upside is intriguing, but inconsistencies in tackling and block shedding need to be ironed out to reach full potential. Day two selection with the chance to outplay his draft position if he can address technical flaws.
Written By:
Bill Miller (SEC)
How other scouting services rate Deontae Lawson (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
86.2
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
7.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.