Round 4: LSU DT Rashard Lawrence
6-2, 308 – Senior – 5.07

PREVIOUS PICK: LSU DT Rashard Lawrence

The Bucs use their fourth-round compensatory draft pick to shift to the defensive side of the ball and select Lawrence, a run-stuffer out of LSU. A three-time team captain, Lawrence was the vocal leader of the Tigers defensive line and played in front of middle linebacker Devin White, who was drafted by Tampa Bay with the fifth overall pick last year. Lawrence marks the third LSU player to be drafted by the Bucs from the Tigers’ national championship team.

Tampa Bay could use another young defensive tackle to pair with nose tackle Vita Vea for the future. Lawrence could develop behind Ndamukong Suh at the three technique spot, as well as provide depth behind Vea at nose tackle, replacing veteran Beau Allen, who wasn’t re-signed in free agency.

Lawrence doesn’t offer much in terms of a pass rush, evidenced by his nine career sacks in four seasons at LSU. Yet some of those sacks have come in crunch time, as he notched his first one against Heisman-winning Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson in the Citrus Bowl as a freshman.

Lawrence’s LSU Career Defensive Stats
2016: 6 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack
2017: 32 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 1.5 sack, 1 PBU,
2018: 54 tackles, 10 TFLs, 4 sacks, 3 PBUs
2019: 28 tackles, 6 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, 3 PBUs, 1 FF, 1 FR

Lawrence was unblockable in the Fiesta Bowl win over previously unbeaten UCF at the end of the 2018 season, earning Defensive Player of the Week honors for recording five tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks against the Knights. Last year, despite being banged up, Lawrence helped the Tigers defeat Clemson to win the national championship.

The outside linebacker position typically racks up the most sacks in Todd Bowles’ 3-4 scheme, as the job of the interior defensive linemen is to stuff the run on early downs and then occupy blockers and push the pocket on passing downs, freeing up the edge rushers. Lawrence did just that at LSU, and is a perfect scheme fit in Tampa Bay.

The Bucs informally interviewed Lawrence at the NFL Scouting Combine, so he’s on their radar. Tampa Bay loves his warrior mentality, willingness to play through injury and the physical toughness and nasty demeanor he brings to the trenches. White will surely lobby to be reunited with his Tigers teammate, and Lawrence would be a great addition in the fourth round.

CLICK BELOW FOR THE BUCS’ NEXT DRAFT PICK