How about Manny Lawson OLB

[31hammer]

How sick would it be for the Boys to have Ware and Lawson on either side rushing the passer


Pros: ATHLETIC, has seen time at both DE and OLB, amazing speed, reportedly runs a sub 4.5, very quick off the ball, great pass rusher, sack artist, good size, long reach.
Cons: Tweener, might be a better fit as a 3-4 OLB, could add some weight, not very strong, needs to get better against the run, overshadowed by Mario Williams.
Draft Exchange Analysis:
While he may be overshadowed by fellow standout DE Mario Williams, Manny Lawson is something special in his own right. He is incredibly fast (runs a 4.4) and has great size at 6’5” 245 lbs. While Many think that Mario is a better sack artist, Lawson actually lead the team in 2004 with 7 sacks. He has had an equally productive senior season amassing 70 tackles (20 for a loss), with 10 sacks, 21 QB pressures, 1 FF, and a Punt Block. While this may seem too good to be true, Lawson does have his flaws like everyone else. He falls into the Tweener category and would be well suited as a 3-4 OLB. He also could stand to add some weight to his lanky frame and needs to get better against the run. If he can accomplish those things, look for Lawson to be a best in the pros like his Mario.

One Word To Describe Lawson: Athletic / Overshadowed

Most Like: Jason Taylor, Miami Dolphins

Best Fits: Houston, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Miami (3-4 Teams)
Worst Fits: Washington, St Louis, Baltimore


From gopack.com:

In 2004: A second-team All-ACC performer after ranking sixth in the conference with seven sacks for the season ... Former linebacker who ranked third on the team with a dozen tackles for loss and second with 17 quarterback pressures ... Named the Walter Camp Foundation's National Defensive Player of the Week after tallying three sacks in the win over Virginia Tech ... Also earned the ACC's Defensive Lineman of the Week honor for that performance ... Tallied a career-high 10 tackles against Florida State, including three tackles for loss and a sack ... Tied for second in school history with six blocked punts, that mark ranked sixth among current players nationally at the end of the season ... Co-recipient of the 2004 Cary Brewbaker Award, given to the most valuable defensive lineman ... Named the strength index champion for the Wolfpack linemen, he bench pressed 385 pounds, power cleaned 340 pounds, posted a 11'7 broad jump and a 37-1/2" vertical jump.

In 2003: Blocked a punt against Texas Tech and another against Kansas in the Tangerine Bowl ... A demon on special teams, he also scored a touchdown on a blocked punt against UNC ... Saw action at outside linebacker in every regular season contest, starting the Texas Tech and Georgia Tech contests ... Moved to right end in practice prior to the bowl game, he started at that position in the win over Kansas and tallied a seaon-high eight tackles, including a stop behind the line of scrimmage ... In for a season-high 50 snaps versus Texas Tech, he had a season-high seven tackles in that contest as well ... Competed on the track & field squad during the winter and spring, winning the ACC title in the indoor long jump with a mark of 24' 3-1/2 ... Finished second in that event outdoors with a 24'1/2 mark, he finished fifth in the outdoor triple jump (41'1/4) and fourth with the 4x100 meter relay with a time of 41.25 ... Named the Wolfpack's Special Teams Player of the Year .. Named Most Improved Defensive Lineman following 2004 spring drills, he also earned the Defensive Leadership Award ... One of the fastest players on the Wolfpack squad, his vertical jump is higher than the device used to measure that stat.

In 2002: Led the nation with three blocked punts in 2002, that total tied as the third-best single-season mark in school history ... Finished the season strong, with a season-high nine tackles in the win over Notre Dame in the Gator Bowl, he was in for just 21 snaps in that contest ... Had a key stop on a goalline stand, keeping the Irish from scoring any touchdowns ... His best game of the regular season was at Virginia, when he tallied seven tackles, including two third-down stops ... Blocked his first career kick versus UMass, he blocked a punt versus Clemson that Terrence Holt returned for a TD ... Also blocked a punt versus Florida State that was returned for a safety ... Co-winner of the Pack's Most Valuable Specialist award ... Competed with the Wolfpack track squad in the spring of 2003, in his first meet, he won the long jump and the triple jump in the Patroit Games ... Also captured first in the Carolina Heels Challenge in long jump and second in the long jump ... Posted the fastest time in the 60 meter hurdles (indoors) for NC State that season (8.55) ... Earned the Most Dominant Award for defense after spring workouts in 2003.

Prep: Recorded 54 tackles and 11 sacks as a senior for Coach Joe Mitchell... Also rushed for 456 yards ... Named his conference's defensive player of the year following his senior campaign ... Qualified for the state indoor track and field meet in four events: long jump, triple jump, 55-meter dash, and the 55-meter hurdles ... Majoring in industrial engineering ... Born 7/3/84.

 

[Nors]

Carpenter is the trendy and popular pick. Lawson is the better player/prospect for the NFL....... I like him a lot draft day.

 

[31hammer]

What would it take a 1st rounder or can he be had in 2nd

Ware, Burnett , James, Lawson
behind Canty and Spears
It would be sick

found this on another site
This is a player at the defensive end position that can be dominate at both levels of play
As a collegiate player I feel he is a dominate presence on the field of play, he posses excellent athleticness, determination and passion for the game that others lack and gives him the extra juice to succeed
This is an athlete while in high school that qualified for (4) different events in track for his state of North Carolina, and reportedly currently runs a 4.43 in the 40 yard dash, that gives you an idea of the type of athlete and skill level we are talking about here
He has the rare combination of size, speed, mobility, quickness and burst to be a dominant player on the field, to me he out performs his teammate Mario Williams on the field where it counts, and rather than the publications and the media
He gets upfield with such a quick burst and instinctive anticipation off the snap, that he brings such pressure to his opposing blocker, and once he does get by the opposing blocker, he has the speed to run down any quarterback I can think of
He plays the game with such passion and will to win on every snap of the ball, he also shows the athletic ability to track down and make the plays necessary running down runners from the backfield, he is consistently in an attack mode on the field, and stout at the point of attack anywhere on the field, he is quite simply a difference maker!
With his lack of weight he is somewhat of a liability against the run, that is why I proposed the idea of making him a linebacker where he does not have to take on blockers consistently 50+ pounds heavier than him, which in turn wears him down and makes his ability to work in open space and use his athleticness to his advantage limited
If he were to be moved to the linebacker spot he would be freed up to do the things he can do best more often and more creatively, he can be used as a combo blitzing linebacker/ rush end in known passing situations, and he can be utilized in the defense in creative ways by the coaches and coordinator
I feel he posses the agility in the hips, mobility, quickness and lateral movement where his transition from the defensive end spot to the linebacker position would be a smooth one, his upside to me is limitless!

 

[junk]

Carpenter is the trendy and popular pick. Lawson is the better player/prospect for the NFL....... I like him a lot draft day.

Depends on what you are looking for. Different players.

 

[Clove]

We've been singing praises for Lawson around here for awhile now. Most would love him on this team.

 

[VACowboy]

Depends on what you are looking for. Different players.

Exactly. They bring different skills to the field. We just need playmakers at the LB spots. I'll take either.

 

[Nors]

Manny Lawson has infinite more upside, rare athletic ability. Could be Warelike as a playmaker.


Carpenter to me will be a good player. Lower ceiling than Lawson and why he'll drop to 2nd round.

 

[VACowboy]

Manny Lawson has infinite more upside, rare athletic ability. Could be Warelike as a playmaker.


Carpenter to me will be a good player. Lower ceiling than Lawson and why he'll drop to 2nd round.

Carpenter may not be freaky athletic, but he's no slouch. 6-3, 255 and versatile. He's a physical presence against the run, covers receivers well and gets to the QB. He played every LB position in college, inside and out, and put his hand on the ground as a DE. I don't know about his "ceiling" but he sounds like the perfect strong-side 3-4 LB to me, and you can't say that about Lawson. Lawson may have more upside, or whatever, but he lacks Carpenter's physicality and attitude. One of his noted deficiencies is playing the run.

Anyway, as I say, we need playmakers at LB and I'd take either guy at #18. But saying Lawson is a better fit for the Cowboys is wrong, IMHO. Carpenter is EXACTLY what our defense needs.

I don't think he'll last til the second round, but I wouldn't be opposed to trading down a few spots.

 

[Bizwah]

Carpenter may not be freaky athletic, but he's no slouch. 6-3, 255 and versatile. He's a physical presence against the run, covers receivers well and gets to the QB. He played every LB position in college, inside and out, and put his hand on the ground as a DE. I don't know about his "ceiling" but he sounds like the perfect strong-side 3-4 LB to me, and you can't say that about Lawson. Lawson may have more upside, or whatever, but he lacks Carpenter's physicality and attitude. One of his noted deficiencies is playing the run.

Anyway, as I say, we need playmakers at LB and I'd take either guy at #18. But saying Lawson is a better fit for the Cowboys is wrong, IMHO. Carpenter is EXACTLY what our defense needs.

I don't think he'll last til the second round, but I wouldn't be opposed to trading down a few spots.

I have to agree with VA here.

I wouldn't shed a tear if we chose Lawson. But Carpenter is a LB. We need someone to cover the TE and play the run on the strong side. Lawson is athletic....but we'd be hoping that he could develop into an OLB in the 3-4.

Carpenter is a LB that can play with his hand down. He's bigger, stronger, and is fast for a LB.

Again, I love the idea of getting Lawson.....but he's a bigger gamble than taking Carpenter.

And given Parcells tendencies to pick up players with "ties" to him.....I think Carpenter has an edge.

 

[Nors]

I have to agree with VA here.

I wouldn't shed a tear if we chose Lawson. But Carpenter is a LB. We need someone to cover the TE and play the run on the strong side. Lawson is athletic....but we'd be hoping that he could develop into an OLB in the 3-4.

Carpenter is a LB that can play with his hand down. He's bigger, stronger, and is fast for a LB.

Again, I love the idea of getting Lawson.....but he's a bigger gamble than taking Carpenter.

And given Parcells tendencies to pick up players with "ties" to him.....I think Carpenter has an edge.

I believe Parcells already passed on ex players kids like Simms, Carthon, Tatupo?

I Think Carpenter is a 2nd round pick and not this Superman LB many are making him into. We shall see! I like Schleigel in Day 2 more as a value add....

 

[Rush 2112]

I believe Parcells already passed on ex players kids like Simms, Carthon, Tatupo?

I Think Carpenter is a 2nd round pick and not this Superman LB many are making him into. We shall see! I like Schleigel in Day 2 more as a value add....

A) Simms is a lefty.

B) He went bottom of 3 (97) after we took Witten top of 3 (69).

C) BP is on record saying JJ really wanted him to evaluate the 2 scrubs vs adding another QB (Namely Delhomme).

D) The whole league passed on Carthon 7 times. He was briefly on our PS. Had zero stats in 2003 and 2004. Got the ball for Indy 18 times in 2005 for 1.4 per carry.

E) Mosi and BP crossed paths for 1 year in NE.

F) 5-11/238 LB's haven't exactly been thriving in Dallas since BP has arrived. I doubt Tatupu was even on the Dallas draft board. If he was it was at SS.

G) Bobby Carpenter is a Jimmy Sexton client and we all know he doesn't vernture outside of SEC country very often.

 

[Nors]

Noticed Tatupu and Merriman at Pro Bowl - good stuff


Carpenter in round 2 is a maybe. Are you really advocating the #18 for Carpenter Rush12?

 

[cobra]

I think after the combine, we will see things settle down.

The Cowboys will be only taking best value player available at 18. That player will be either OT, OLB, FS, or WR.

WR: The only WR that Dallas would take at 18 (Santonio Holmes) will be gone. The next WR (Moss) will be a huge reach at 18.

FS: Jimmy Williams and Huff will be off the board. 18 will be too high for Ko Simpson. So no FS in the first.

OT: The combine will tell us some about size and strength. There will be 3-5 Tackles that are availble for us to take at 18 that are indistinguishable from each other. And one of those 3-5 will be there in the 2nd. So I don't think we go Tackle in Round 1. (Not to mention the fact Jerry said he wouldn't and my suspicion is BP wouldn't go OT at 18).

OLB: At 18, after the combines, I think we will be sitting there with our choice of Greenway, Ryans, Carpenter, Howard, and Lawson.

Which of those will we take?

Let's look at some factors.

Factor #1 Size/speed.

The combines will tell us a lot about who we will end up taking. From all that BP has said and done in his career, we know that, all things being equal, he values large size in this linebackers. He has repeatedly said that since he got here. Lawson will look good if he is indeed around 6'6" 245 lbs with freakish speed and atheleticism. Carpenter also benefits because he is 6'3" and the heaviest and probably strongest of the bunch at 255lbs.

Due to size, I think that knocks off Ryans if he is in fact 6'1" (or smaller..certainly looks tiny). I think this might hurt Greenway, too. He looks smaller/thinner than he is listed. BP values size too much that he isn't going to draft a guy who is 6'1" (Ryans) or thin when bigger equivalent guys are there. But if any of these guys end up being smaller than listed, I think they fall off our chart.

Factor #2: Pedigree

All things being equal, we know that BP likes guys who come from big time programs, whose parents were players/coaches, and seniors who were team captains.

Bobby Carpenter gets points here. Coming from one of, if not the strongest, college programs at Ohio State, his father was an NFL player too... and played for Parcells. Greenway gets some points for being a team captain and a special teams player, but I don't think coming from Iowa gets him any bonus point, and he has no pedigree. Ryans was a captain along with Croyle at Alabama, but that team is a shell of its former self.

Lawson and Howard lose points here, in my opinion. Lawson comes from an unimpressive school and wasn't a captain. Ware showed last year that having enough individual skill can overcome Pedigree, but as I said, if all things are equal (Lawson's combine performance puts him just on even footing with Carpenter, etc--something I doubt happens), then Lawson won't be the pick because he doesn't have the pedigree. Howard comes from an even more suspect program (UTEP). He'd have to be off the charts in the combine to stand a chance as an #18 pick.

Factor #3: Need

We need a ROLB, which tends to be the strong/TE side in most formations. Parcells may not be looking for a duplicate Ware (Lawson/Howard) and may be looking more for a large (yet fast) power linebacker who can conver. That, in my mind, helps out Carpenter and Greenway.

In the end, I think the pick will be Carpenter. While Lawson may impress enough that we might take him, I think Carpenter has a leg up on the competition. He will grade out on BP factors higher than Greenway, Ryans, and Howard. There are only two ways I see Carpenter not being the pick: (1) his combine size/speed comes in way under expectations; or (2) Lawson (or Howard... but he is even more of a reach) comes up with insane numbers in speed/size categories that makes him so attractive a la Ware.

But, I will say this, if it were today, Carpenter is the pick... his "other factors" are just too much like the prototypical BP personnel move. However, we have a long way to go, and I think the combine will tell us a lot. Once we get their numbers, things will settle quite nicely before the draft. We will know with pretty good certainty who we are taking then.

 

[Clove]

I'm not impressed with Greenway - He seemed tall and lanky at the senior bowl and was a step slow. But his size is attractive and that's why he will get looks.

I do agree that Carpenter is the "Prototype" and the knock on Lawson is his run defense. His run defense for a DE is not great, but if he's playing OLB it will be different.

If I had to choose 1 or the other, at this very moment without combine numbers and visuals, I would choose Carpenter. If Lawson is what he's been talked up to be, I'd go Lawson in a heart beat and here's why.

He could be moved all over the line when it's time to rush the passer. He could line up in a stand up blitzing formation while Ware puts his hands on the ground. Teams would not allow their QB to drop back too far, giving our inside guys a shot to make tons of sacks. He could run with any TE in the league or most RB's.

He is like having a SS blitz him every down, but with monster size. At 6'5, he could easily go from 245 to 260 without losing any speed. He could be a bookend as a TE on goalline plays, and he would win every jump ball "period".

He would knock down tons of balls with his leaping ability. As long as our second ILB is a bad as* mofo, they could just let Ware and Lawson roam the field like Hyenas. The only thing he would lack that Carpenter has is bulk (Which Lawson can easily add) the ability to peal off blocks and make tackles (we don't know if Lawson can or can't - he's not played LB lately) mean aggressive, I'll give that to Carpenter.

As long as we have a mean mamma jamma at ILB opposite James, Lawson would be an absolute beast. You would have 3 guys on the field to watch out for on every play (Ware/Lawson/RW)

 

[Rush 2112]

Noticed Tatupu and Merriman at Pro Bowl - good stuff


Carpenter in round 2 is a maybe. Are you really advocating the #18 for Carpenter Rush12?

Noticed all 3-4 teams passed on Tatupu at least once.

Name two 5-11 3-4 LB's and I'll spot you Sam Mills.

Carpenter shows up at size speed listed (6-3/245, 4.6) and 100% healthy then yes.

Last 10 years of first round LB's.......

Which LB's had similar size, speed, strength, pass rush, up or down pass rush ability coming out of school?

Short list - Merriman, Arrington, Hardy.

Our SOLB needs a few things:

1) Be stout vs run at POA. Gave up far too much vs run on 4-5 occassions.
2) Be a pure LB first with size.
3) Have the ability to rush the passer but not the main attribute.

None of the tweeners impress me as being the stout run defender type (especially Lawson).

All the tweener pass rushers in the world don't mean a thing if you can't stop the run.

Best draft site on the net by a factor of 1000 has Carpenter at #20 and Manny at #60. Too low for Manny IMO. He's 30-40 in my book right now.

Carpenter is far and away the more complete player.

Manny ain't covering nobody and he ain't stopping the run for at least 2 years.

 

[Nors]

Noticed all 3-4 teams passed on Tatupu at least once.

Name two 5-11 3-4 LB's and I'll spot you Sam Mills.

Carpenter shows up at size speed listed (6-3/245, 4.6) and 100% healthy then yes.

Last 10 years of first round LB's.......

Which LB's had similar size, speed, strength, pass rush, up or down pass rush ability coming out of school?

Short list - Merriman, Arrington, Hardy.

Our SOLB needs a few things:

1) Be stout vs run at POA. Gave up far too much vs run on 4-5 occassions.
2) Be a pure LB first with size.
3) Have the ability to rush the passer but not the main attribute.

None of the tweeners impress me as being the stout run defender type (especially Lawson).

All the tweener pass rushers in the world don't mean a thing if you can't stop the run.

Best draft site on the net by a factor of 1000 has Carpenter at #20 and Manny at #60. Too low for Manny IMO. He's 30-40 in my book right now.

Carpenter is far and away the more complete player.

Manny ain't covering nobody and he ain't stopping the run for at least 2 years.

I never advocated Tatupo - just noted he was in Pro Bowl with Merriman and an ex son of Parcells player passed on.....


So you are now advocating Carpenter @ #18 now. Thats a big flop for you on Lawson. Weeks back you had him off the board at #18 now 35-40?

I think both are there round 2.

 

[cobra]

Best draft site on the net by a factor of 1000 has Carpenter at #20 and Manny at #60. Too low for Manny IMO. He's 30-40 in my book right now.

Thanks for your analysis, and I agree with most of it.

What site are you talking about, though?

 

[junk]

I get a bit confused by all of these "Carpenter doesn't have much upside" comments.

The guy got better every year in college. Is it because he is already big and fast? He might not get much bigger, but I don't think he has fully maximized his potential yet.

He isn't a Superman and I don't think people are making him out to be. He is, however, a prototype 3-4 SOLB prospect who can rush the passer, play the run and drop into coverage. He is hard nosed competitive football player from a big time college football program.

I am certainly not dismissing Lawson. I seen enough of him to have a solid opinion one way or another.. Reading his scouting reports, he seems like another Ware (which isn't a bad thing by any stretch). A pass rush specialist and its just my opinion that isn't what Dallas ultimately wants opposite Ware. He is overhyped as much as anyone because he runs a 4.4 40 and jumps high. Can he take on and shed blockers from a two point stance? Can he cover TEs and RBs? If so, then I'd have no problem adding the guy.

I have seen Carpenter extensively and I feel he is a good prospect with little risk that will fit into the Cowboys scheme quite nicely.

 

[junk]

I think both are there round 2.

I think it depends on the Combine. If Carpenter shows he is healthy, he stands a good shot. If Lawson wows scouts with his athletic ability, he also stands a good shot.

A lot of 3-4 type teams in the bottom of 1, top of 2 that would probably love both of these guys.

Dallas, SD, Pitt, NE, SF, Cle, Miami.

 

[Rush 2112]

Hype has died down after Senior Bowl.

Weeks back you were "we don't need another Ware".

We know he can rush the passer.

Now it's on to strength reps and LB drills.

That's what could knock him down board.

I don't think either is there for our 2nd pick when ever that it is.

49 ish.