Tar Heels NFL Draft Profile: Des Lawrence

Des Lawrence was solid for the four years that he was at Carolina. He started three years for the Heels, and was named second-team All ACC in his junior season. He very likely could have gone pro after his junior year (however he wouldn’t have been drafted), but he returned for his senior year. While he had a slightly lesser season than the year before, he was still one of the Heels’ top defenders.

Lawrence played Defensive Back for his first two years as a Tar Heel, but it was after he switched to Cornerback before his junior year that he really began to shine. He had 43 solo tackled in 2015, and 59 total tackles. He also had 2.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions. His senior year wasn’t quite as good, as was mentioned above, in which he had 28 solo tackles, 37 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and no interceptions. During his entire UNC career, Lawrence had 123 solo tackles, 175 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and three interceptions in 42 total games.

Lawrence is rather speedy, with a UNC Pro Day 40 time of 4.55 seconds, only 0.04 seconds more than the quick Ryan Switzer. He had a 20 yard dash time of 2.67 seconds, and a 20 yard shuttle time of 4.23 seconds. Also, He is ranked as the 38th overall DB and 30th overall CB (as he played both positions in college) prospect in the NFL draft.

Lawrence is currently projected by most to be taken either in the 7th round or to go undrafted. Lawrence is a good on-ball defender, but as has been noted by several sources he needs some work. He has been cited as being easily faked out by ball and head fakes, however he is a very physical defender and could be a good fit for some defensive schemes. Whether or not he goes drafted, Lawrence should find some work in the NFL.