ESPN Insider: Meet NFL next wave of monster pass-rusher defensive line, how they win

[viman96]

Insider article but here is what is mentioned about Lawrence

Meet NFL next wave of monster pass-rusher defensive line, how they win - 2017
by Matt Bowen on 2017-09-29 01:15:00 UTC

We know about Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa. The same with Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack. Those are two of the NFL's young, premier pass-rushers still on their first contracts. But what about Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, who dominated on Monday Night Football against the Cardinals, leads the NFL with 6.5 sacks and is quickly becoming a matchup nightmare on the edge?

Let's focus on the NFL's up-and-coming pass-rushers, guys who have flashed the ability to pump out 10-plus sacks a season. We'll start with Lawrence and hit on a couple of rookies, too.

Here are five of my favorite, young pass-rushers with big-time potential who pop on film:

DeMarcus Lawrence, Dallas Cowboys

Lawrence has put on a pass-rush clinic through the first three weeks of the season. That's really the best way to put it. He started with 1.5 sacks against the Giants and followed that up with two more against the Broncos. And then he absolutely wrecked the Cardinals' protection schemes on Monday night -- three more sacks on the national stage.

Now, Lawrence isn't consistently beating the top offensive tackles in the league. I get that. But I'm also focused on how Lawrence uses his entire tool box to expose matchups. That's where we see the length (33 1/4-inch arms) come into play, plus his ability to rake down on the hands of linemen. Lawrence is creating separation on contact. That allows him to take control of the matchup. Use the power there to push tackles back -- giving him a two-way-go to the quarterback -- or use a quick arm-over move to turn the corner. Lawrence has the lower-body balance and flexibility to stay on path to the QB through contact.

While Lawrence doesn't have 4.5/4.6-second 40 speed on the edge, he plays with low pad level off the ball with the first-step burst that forces offensive tackles (or tight ends) in protection to open their hips. And that's what you want. Give me an edge rusher who delivers the first punch and then physically takes over matchups with power, technique and a collection of counter moves. That's what I'm seeing with Lawrence. High-quality tape. He flashed some of this potential in the early part of 2015, so let's hope he can be more consistent this season.

There other upcoming rushers mentioned

Carl Lawson, Cin
Chris Jones, KC
Takkarist McKinley, Atl
Deatrich Wise, NE

http://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/sto...nster-pass-rusher-defensive-line-how-win-2017

 

[gimmesix]

This is what had me excited about Lawrence coming into this year. With reservations about his health, he represented our best chance at establishing a constant pass rush threat because of what he made himself into in 2015.

Lawrence worked on his body to add a lot of pop and power to his game, which coupled with his quickness makes him difficult to block. If tackles try to set a soft corner to account for his speed, then he's going to shove them back into the quarterback. If they try to be aggressive to deal with his power, then he has the quickness to rip and go.

I give Lawrence credit for the work he did to make himself this kind of pass rusher. I'm hoping that Charlton can use him as an example of what he can become. With Taco's length, if he can add that kind of power, he could be just as difficult to deal with.

 

[1972COWBOY]

Boise State didn't just have offense to surprise a lot of good teams and make it to the good bowl games.

 

[xwalker]

In college Taco similar to DLaw.

Lawrence has put on a pass-rush clinic through the first three weeks of the season. That's really the best way to put it. He started with 1.5 sacks against the Giants and followed that up with two more against the Broncos. And then he absolutely wrecked the Cardinals' protection schemes on Monday night -- three more sacks on the national stage.

Now, Lawrence isn't consistently beating the top offensive tackles in the league. I get that. But I'm also focused on how Lawrence uses his entire tool box to expose matchups. That's where we see the length (33 1/4-inch arms) come into play, plus his ability to rake down on the hands of linemen. Lawrence is creating separation on contact. That allows him to take control of the matchup. Use the power there to push tackles back -- giving him a two-way-go to the quarterback -- or use a quick arm-over move to turn the corner. Lawrence has the lower-body balance and flexibility to stay on path to the QB through contact.

While Lawrence doesn't have 4.5/4.6-second 40 speed on the edge, he plays with low pad level off the ball with the first-step burst that forces offensive tackles (or tight ends) in protection to open their hips. And that's what you want. Give me an edge rusher who delivers the first punch and then physically takes over matchups with power, technique and a collection of counter moves. That's what I'm seeing with Lawrence. High-quality tape. He flashed some of this potential in the early part of 2015, so let's hope he can be more consistent this season.

Taco does need to consistently keep his pad level low but that's something DLaw improved on since college.

 

[Fletch]

Where’s Kellen, err, I mean Floaty? Lawrence is a Boise State guy. He should be riding this guy’s jock, err, coattails.

Right the ship Floaty! Put all your money on Lawrence and put away the Kellen crap.

 

[MWH1967]

Where’s Kellen, err, I mean Floaty? Lawrence is a Boise State guy. He should be riding this guy’s jock, err, coattails.

Right the ship Floaty! Put all your money on Lawrence and put away the Kellen crap.

For the last time Floaty is Kellen..

 

[ConceptCoop]

It hurts to see 3 rookies not named Taco Charlton on that list.