Round 7: SMU DE Justin Lawler – 6-4, 264 – 5.02 – Senior

Previous pick: Penn WR Justin Watson
Lawler is a big, physical defensive end that had good production at SMU, making statistical progress each year, especially during his senior year when he had a career-high 9.5 sacks. Bucs general manager Jason Licht likes tough, rugged defensive linemen and Lawler fits the bill.

Lawler finished his Mustangs career with 20.5 sacks, and got most of his quarterback captures with relentless pursuit of the quarterback and brute force. He needs to work on his hands and technique at the next level as he is not a great athlete and doesn’t operate with tremendous quickness.

The Bucs met with Lawler at the East-West Shrine Game where he had a good week of practice and ended up with a sack in the game. Tampa Bay also had him in for a Top 30 pre-draft visit, which is an indication that the Bucs might spend a late-round draft pick on him or sign him after the draft as a priority undrafted free agent.

Lawler’s SMU Career Defensive Stats
2017: 74 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 2 FFs, 2 PBUs
2016: 65 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, FR
2015: 65 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 2 FFs, 1 PBU
2014: 22 tackles

Lawler’s SMU Career Receiving Stats
2014: 1 catch for a 3-yard TD

Lawler is capable of taking over games against lesser competition, recording four sacks last year against UConn, 3.5 sacks against North Texas two years ago, two sacks against North Texas last year, two sacks versus Houston in 2015 and 1.5 sacks against Houston in 2016. Lawler led the country with three blocked kicks last year and finished his Mustangs career with four, which means he can be a contributor on special teams as a rookie.

The Bucs signed Will Clarke to a one-year contract and Mitch Unrein signed a three-year deal, but Tampa Bay has an out after one year. Lawler could be thrown into the mix as competition and developed under new defensive line coach Brentson Buckner to give the Bucs a younger pass rusher in their stable.