Around the NFL

Rex Ryan gets Clemson guy with Shaq Lawson

Published: Apr 28, 2016 at 03:38 PM

Kevin Patra

Around the NFL Writer

Rex Ryan's love of Clemson spilled over into draft night.

The Buffalo Bills selected pass rusher Shaq Lawson with the No. 19 overall pick in Thursday's first round.

The edge rusher is Ryan's type of player: an active worker with an aggressive motor.

At 6-foot-3, 269 pounds, Lawson is scheme versatile, with power and speed -- 4.7 40 yard dash at the Combine. Lawson finished second in the nation in "stuffs" for a defensive lineman.

Lawson will play outside linebacker in the Bills' 3-4 scheme, filling the spot vacated by Mario Williams' departure.

In years with the Jets, Ryan never was able to develop a stud-pass rusher. He'll attempt to change that with Lawson. The Bills needed juice along the defensive front, especially getting after the quarterback.

After leading the NFL in sacks in 2014 (54), the Bills fell to 31st in sacks in 2015 (21). Ryan's defense finished ranked last in total yards per game, yards per play, pass yards per game and sacks last season.

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