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Carl Lawson among most productive NFL pass rushers as Bengals rookie

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Carl Lawson runs a play in the first half of a preseason NFL football game Carl Lawson, Friday, Aug. 11, 2017, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)

Credit: Gary Landers

Credit: Gary Landers

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Carl Lawson runs a play in the first half of a preseason NFL football game Carl Lawson, Friday, Aug. 11, 2017, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)
By
Oct 23, 2017

Carl Lawson’s college career was plagued by injuries. He professional career has featured nothing but dominance.

Lawson ranks among Pro Football Focus’ best pass rushers. In fact, he’s third behind a pair of longtime superstar edges: Cam Wake and Von Miller.

It’s an encouraging start for Lawson, who slipped to the fourth round last April. The Bengals have desperately needed pass rush while simultaneously getting younger on defense. Lawson is achieving both.

An Alpharetta, Georgia, native, Lawson flashed potential at Auburn, but never consistently. He’s exceeded expectations in Cincinnati already, and may ascend to the ranks of the league’s best pass rushers soon.

About the Author

Gabriel Burns is a general assignment reporter and features writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. After four years on the Braves beat, he's expanded his horizons and covers all sports. You'll find him writing about MLB, NFL, NBA, college football and other Atlanta-centric happenings.

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