Chicago Bears mock draft: Full seven-round picks

Shaq Lawson (6-foot-3, 270 pounds), DE/OLB, Clemson

I went back and forth with the final first round pick. Do the Chicago Bears go with what John Fox is comfortable with and go with an edge rusher, or do they go with a player that fits defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s system of more versatile players?

At first glance you may think that Lawson may be too small to be an effective 3-4 defensive end. The fact is that Fangio’s system is a hybrid, and he actually has his players line up more in a 4-3 anyway. Besides, Fangio will have Lamarr Houston and Willie Young play more on the line, as they abhor playing or being considered linebackers.

In San Francisco, Fangio had a big defensive line, and had a smaller player who could be fast enough to wreak havoc. That player was Justin Smith, who thrived under Fangio.

General manager Ryan Pace has talked about having more speed on the team. Lawson gives him that. As a defensive end, he can get around linemen quickly and get in the backfield.

As an outside linebacker, Lawson can utilize his speed even more, getting a speed jump to help him get into the backfield. He also has a very strong lower body, which allows him to set the edge and contain.

With his strong hands, Lawson can be equally effective against the run or pass.

Lawson has a tendency to find himself in the opponent’s backfield. He played a backup role in his first two seasons behind Vic Beasley and Malliciah Goodman, yet registered double-digit tackles for loss each year (10 in 2013 and 11 in 2014).

Finally a starter in 2015, Lawson continued his attack. He was among the nation’s leaders in tackles for loss with 24.5, and he had 12.5 sacks.

Fangio covets versatility in his system, and Lawson gives him just that. Pace wants speed, and Lawson can deliver on that as well. He will be an impact player in the NFL for years to come.

Next: Round 2: He has the traits to be a very good player