Deontae Lawson is a highly athletic linebacker who combines movement skills with an ability to read the quarterback’s eyes to make plays on the ball in the air and projects as a good coverage defender in the NFL. The 6’2″, 228-pound backer could afford to add some size and strength to be better against the run, though.
Lawson went to Alabama as a 4-star recruit in the 2021 class and redshirted as a true freshman. He was a special teams contributor and rotational player/spot starter the following year, accumulating 51 tackles, 2.5 for loss and four passes defended.
The Mobile, Alabama native became a full-time starter as a redshirt sophomore and recorded 67 tackles, three tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and four passes defended. He broke out in 2024 by logging 76 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 2 sacks, an interception and four PDs to earn third-team All-SEC honors.
Matt Holder has been a part of B/R’s Scouting Department for four seasons. He also writes about the Las Vegas Raiders and NFL draft for SB Nation’s Silver and Black Pride, and co-hosts a YouTube Channel, Tape Don’t Lie, providing film breakdowns and more draft prospect analysis.
