2020 NFL Draft: Ranking the top 10 interior defensive linemen

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TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA – NOVEMBER 09: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide throws a pass during the first half against Rashard Lawrence #90 of the LSU Tigers in the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

5. Rashard Lawrence, LSU

LSU’s Rashard Lawrence was thought to be one of the better interior defensive linemen coming into the 2019 season but some early season injuries have lost him a bit of his draft luster.

The narrative may be finally swaying back into his direction, however, as Lawrence put together an eye-opening performance against the Alabama Crimson Tide on their way to a huge victory two weeks ago.

He had four tackles, helped clean up a sack, got his hands up to knock down two passes and was in Tua Tagovailoa’s grill quite a bit.

His impressive outing has reminded me, and many others, of his skillset and what he potentially brings to the position at the next level. He has a pro-ready build at a stocking 308 pounds, shows a continuous motor and is a natural-born leader on that LSU front. In fact, he’s been a captain for the Tigers for the last three seasons.

While Lawrence landing in the fifth spot of this list of top 10 interior defensive linemen of the 2020 NFL Draft may be a surprise to some, I fully expect the senior tackle to continue to ascend up the ladder down the stretch of this season.

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