Todd McShay: Bears take 'junkyard dog' Shaq Lawson

Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson could be a Bears target in the first round of next month’s draft. (Getty Images)

ESPN.com analyst Todd McShay predicted Wednesday the Bears will select Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson with the No. 11 overall pick in next month’s draft.

The 6-3, 269-pound Lawson had 12 1/2 sacks and 25 1/2 tackles for loss last season, his first as a regular starter for the national champion runners-up. He fits both 4-3 and 3-4 teams as an edge rusher after both standing up and rushing from a three-point stance last season.

McShay said Wednesday he was torn between Lawson and Georgia outside linebacker Leonard Floyd — who he characterized as “extremely talented but has never has quite found his niche” — for the Bears. He wound up assigning Floyd to the Colts at No. 18.

“They’re very different players,” McShay said. “Lawson is going to be the most consistent-effort guy. He’s going to bring a lot of fire and emotion. He’s got power, he’s disciplined, he has good closing burst and he’s a natural pass rusher in terms of his instincts. But he’s not a speedster, even though he ran well (at the NFL Scouting Combine), and he’s not great in terms of change of direction. He’s a little bit tight in the hips.

“But I think he’s a junkyard dog. I just love the way he plays.”

Follow me on Twitter @patrickfinley

Email: pfinley@suntimes.com

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