ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) – The Buffalo Bills have addressed a significant pass-rushing need by selecting Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson with the 19th pick in the NFL draft on Thursday night.
Listed at 6-foot-3 and 269 pounds, Lawson was a consensus All-American last season in which he led the nation with 25 1/2 tackles for a loss and 12 1/2 sacks. Though relatively undersized for a defensive end, Lawson is regarded as a solid fit in an outside linebacker’s role because of his athleticism and versatility.
An NFL draft scouting report referred to Lawson as being “built like a tank.”
Lawson fills an immediate need on a defensive front seven that lost Mario Williams, who was cut last month.
The Bills are scheduled to have seven more selections through the next five rounds, starting with No. 49 on Friday.