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Dexter Lawrence makes it a trio of Tigers in the first round of the NFL Draft

Clemson defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is taken with the 17th overall pick by the New York Giants.
Credit: AP
Clemson's Dexter Lawrence was a force for the Tigers in his three years in the Upstate. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence has been taken by the New York Giants  in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

With this selection, Clemson becomes the first school in NFL history to have three defensive lineman taken in the first round. N.C. State had three in 2006 but one of their players was turned in as a linebacker.

Lawrence stands 6-4 and weighs nearly 340 pounds. But for all of his bulk, he was quite athletic and showed tremendous quickness along with his power. After all, he was one half of the "Fridge Package" and had a rushing touchdown against Louisville this past season. That combination of quickness and strength is a reason why he was a high draft pick.

A First-team All-American according to the AFCA in 2018, Lawrence was also a first-team All-ACC choice and in his 13 games, he was credited with 44 tackles (7.5 for loss), three pass breakups, 1.5 sacks, a fumble recovery, a blocked kick and the rushing touchdown. He played in just 13 games, missing the two playoff games after he tested positive for ostarine. Lawrence has stated emphatically he did not knowingly take the substance.

Lawrence should be able to adapt to the NFL and play several positions in either the 3-4 or 4-3 front.  

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