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NFL First Round Mock Draft, Seahawks get defensive

By Dan Viens

Nov 21, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) runs with the ball as Louisville Cardinals defensive end Sheldon Rankins (98) defends during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) runs with the ball as Louisville Cardinals defensive end Sheldon Rankins (98) defends during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jake Coker (14) is sacked by Clemson Tigers defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) during the second quarter in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jake Coker (14) is sacked by Clemson Tigers defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) during the second quarter in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Pick #11: Chicago Bears – Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson

The Bears used to be known for defense, but lately they’ve mostly been offensive on that side of the ball. Needs are plenty, but first and foremost is someone who can penetrate and get after the quarterback. Chicago made the switch full time to a 3-4 defense last year and have an outstanding man in the middle in nose tackle Eddie Goldman, but need to surround him with latent.

Clemson’s Shaq Lawson can fill one of those spots. At 6’3″ and 270 lbs, Lawson is a tad shorter than teams usually look for in their DE’s, but what sets him apart is his all-around skill set. He’s stout against the run, showing a great anchor in his compact frame, but he’s also fluid and athletic enough to beat good offensive linemen off the edge.

Going against Notre Dame’s Ronnie Stanley (projected as our #8 pick to Miami), Lawson looked like a big-time difference maker. The head to head battle was no contest, with Lawson netting 7 tackles, 3.5 of them for a loss.

Chicago has a ton of needs, but grabbing Lawson here will get them one step closer to being a much improved defensive team, something you know will be a priority for John Fox and company this off season.

Next: On the clock: New Orleans

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