2014 NFL Draft: Could Pittsburgh Steelers target Boise State DE Demarcus Lawrence?
By Matt Shetler
While many point as the secondary or the wide receiver position being the top need for the Pittsburgh Steelers when the 2014 NFL Draft rolls around, it’s hard to argue that the Steelers biggest hole is on the defensive line.
Nov 30, 2013; Boise, ID, USA; Boise State Broncos defensive end Demarcus Lawrence (8) during the second half of play against the New Mexico Lobos at Bronco Stadium. Boise State defeated New Mexico 45-17. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports
Right now the Steelers have major issues when it comes to their defensive ends. They have no depth at all. They have no experience opposite fourth-year pro Cameron Heyward and there is no one in the draft that can likely step in and not only start, but be productive from day one.
That alone led me to speculate that bringing back 36-year old Brett Keisel may be the best option the Steelers have left this offseason.
However they still need to address the position in the draft and they could do so with Boise State DE/LB Demarcus Lawrence.
Adam Caplan of ESPN reports that Lawrence is expected to meet with the Steelers, Redskins, Cowboys, Saints, Vikings, 49ers and Jets before the draft.
Lawrence is a guy that can get after the quarterback, as he recorded 10.5 sacks a season ago.
He’s a guy that can fit as an edge rusher in either a 4-3 or 3-4 base defense, but may be suited more as a linebacker in the Steelers 3-4 scheme. However many reports suggest that teams like him at defensive end just as much in the 3-4.
However Lawrence has some baggage as off the field issues led to him receiving three different one-game suspensions while in college.
Lawrence has been projected as a second-round pick, but could move into the first round as pass rushers are always at a premium.
The need is there for Lawrence with the Steelers but ultimately I think he translates more as a pass rushing outside linebacker in the 3-4, so I don’t necessarily know if it is a great fit, although you can never have enough guys that can get after the quarterback.