Manny Lawson (1 Viewer)

[chook]

Link from No Offseason.com

If you don't wish to read it, here's the part I was interested in:

Now, the super sleepers...the guys that have the potential to be the next Merriman and Ware. These guys are pretty much as far off the fantasy IDP radar as one could possibly get right now, but they should experience their fare share of success in 2007 and beyond. San Francisco's Manny Lawson and Cleveland's Kamerion Wimbley. Both drafted in the mid-first round in April 2006, just like Merriman and Ware a year before. Also, both Lawson and Wimbley are converted college defensive ends - taught to play standing up in the pros - you guessed it, just like Merriman and Ware. Wimbley was a bright spot on a lowly Browns team, recording 11.5 sacks in 2006...Lawson didn't make as much noise, notching three sacks and an interception. Neither one of them missed a game, and they each had two or more solo tackles in all but three combined games out of 32, off-setting most consistency questions typical of OLBs. Most importantly, Lawson and Wimbley will have every opportunity to rush the QB in 2007, making them the likely sack leaders among LBs, and helping them take a step in the right direction as far as becoming legitimate IDP fantasy options.

About a month ago I posted some comparative stats between Ware, Merriman & Wimbley's rookie seasons (Link), showing that they weren't all that dissimilar and that Wimbley could may join the other two at the elite level in '07.However even as a 49ers fan, I really didn't see Lawson in the same league as the aforementioned yet, and until this article I didn't think too many others had entertained the thought either.

Any of you guys see him reaching the next level in 2007? Or in 2008? Or ever?

TIA.

 

[Beaumont]

I have been entertaining the thought. But his rookie season left a bit to be desired. He is, however, an athletic freak and anything is possible ...

 

[Jene Bramel]

Both guys have talent but will always come with the 3-4 OLB caveat in standard scoring systems. They'll need mid double digit sacks to have big value if they can't get an additional 50 solo tackles. And owners have to be willing to take the really poor games with the really bad games.

Wimbley had 33 solo tackles outside of sacks last year. Lawson was off the radar altogether. By way of comparison, Merriman has barely averaged over 2 tackles (less sacks) per game. He needs every last one of his one sack per game pace to hold his value at that rate. Ware showed great potential last season -- 48 tackles less 12 sacks (which still only just got him into the top 25 in FBG scoring -- but will be used much more as a pass rusher and his 07 stat line may look very similar to Merriman's 06.

I think Wimbley has the better chance at LB2 value in standard leagues. In sack heavy leagues, they'll obviously all be good plays.

 

[Beaumont]

Both guys have talent but will always come with the 3-4 OLB caveat in standard scoring systems. They'll need mid double digit sacks to have big value if they can't get an additional 50 solo tackles. And owners have to be willing to take the really poor games with the really bad games.Wimbley had 33 solo tackles outside of sacks last year. Lawson was off the radar altogether. By way of comparison, Merriman has barely averaged over 2 tackles (less sacks) per game. He needs every last one of his one sack per game pace to hold his value at that rate. Ware showed great potential last season -- 48 tackles less 12 sacks (which still only just got him into the top 25 in FBG scoring -- but will be used much more as a pass rusher and his 07 stat line may look very similar to Merriman's 06.I think Wimbley has the better chance at LB2 value in standard leagues. In sack heavy leagues, they'll obviously all be good plays.

I agree because Wimbley cant help but get tackles given how long the Browns D will be on the field next year ... this is a constant for Browns D players. It is what made Roye and the Browns CBs decent plays and what will make D'Quell a top 40 LB next year IMHO ...

 

[msommer]

Both guys have talent but will always come with the 3-4 OLB caveat in standard scoring systems. They'll need mid double digit sacks to have big value if they can't get an additional 50 solo tackles. And owners have to be willing to take the really poor games with the really bad games.Wimbley had 33 solo tackles outside of sacks last year. Lawson was off the radar altogether. By way of comparison, Merriman has barely averaged over 2 tackles (less sacks) per game. He needs every last one of his one sack per game pace to hold his value at that rate. Ware showed great potential last season -- 48 tackles less 12 sacks (which still only just got him into the top 25 in FBG scoring -- but will be used much more as a pass rusher and his 07 stat line may look very similar to Merriman's 06.I think Wimbley has the better chance at LB2 value in standard leagues. In sack heavy leagues, they'll obviously all be good plays.

I agree because Wimbley cant help but get tackles given how long the Browns D will be on the field next year ... this is a constant for Browns D players. It is what made Roye and the Browns CBs decent plays and what will make D'Quell a top 40 LB next year IMHO ...

The only caveat I'd add on Wimbley for now is Wilie McGinest. I'd guess that part of the reason for his good rookie season is that Willie on the other side was beaing taken care of by the offense and perhaps a bit of running at the rookie. McGinest is 34 - not sure how much longer he is going to be able to draw the attention. IF Wimbley is able to develop sufficiently, he could become an LB2 but reaistically he'll probably remain borderline LB3 material with a few blow up games.This from a Wimbley owner (thanks to Bloom 100)

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

FWIW, Tully Benta-Cain (NE) is rumored to be signed (not yet) in SF to start as the other OLB oppo Manny Watson.

 

[Rovers]

FWIW, Tully Benta-Cain (NE) is rumored to be signed (not yet) in SF to start as the other OLB oppo Manny Watson.

Did you mean Manny Lawson? Banta-Cain was, from one article out of Boston, benched during the playoff loss to the Colts. He was at least pulled in some packages, but to me that was a red flag. I also remember hearing that Lawson had a lot of trouble transitioning to OLB, getting caught out of position ofetn, and sometimes "appearing lost out there." Do we even know yet if SF will run a 3-4? Lawson has the speed, the measuables to be a beast.... but that doesn't always translate as we know. He may be better suited as a 4-3 DE....

 

[Birdie048]

I witnessed Lawson play at NC State.... with all the talent around him, he received little media during his Sr season. He did make a significant jump up the boards at the combine with his performance and test score (39 IIRC). For a team looking for a "heady" intelligent LB'er, he is a leader in that regard - alot like Lofa Tatupu.

But I agree with Bramel that the limitation of a good player is the scheme he plays in. The 3-4 is not idea for LB's, but maybe he could be a quality LB3 with a few more sacks this season.

As for declaring him a sleeper? That's a reasonably shot gun approach!

 

[chook]

This one's not so much fantasy-related, but discusses Lawson's playmaking potential if the Niners drafted Patrick Willis...

Link

Man, if they had've managed to grap Adalius Thomas as well, that would've been one heck off a D next season.

At least no more 41-0 losses I'd hope.

 

[5Rings]

FWIW, Tully Benta-Cain (NE) is rumored to be signed (not yet) in SF to start as the other OLB oppo Manny Watson.

Did you mean Manny Lawson? Banta-Cain was, from one article out of Boston, benched during the playoff loss to the Colts. He was at least pulled in some packages, but to me that was a red flag. I also remember hearing that Lawson had a lot of trouble transitioning to OLB, getting caught out of position ofetn, and sometimes "appearing lost out there." Do we even know yet if SF will run a 3-4? Lawson has the speed, the measuables to be a beast.... but that doesn't always translate as we know. He may be better suited as a 4-3 DE....

Yes, Nolan said the day after the season ended that the team will run a 3-4.The new DL coach and new DC are both 3-4 guys.

As for Lawson, he's an incredible athlete who had to learn to play with his hand up this year. He was surprisingly solid when asked to drop in coverage. He is excellent in pursuit, but will try to go around the lead blocker rather than take him on. I expect that to change once he fills out his lanky frame.

He was dissapointing as a pass rusher this year. Basically a one trick pony that tried to speed rush every single play. OTs just rode him ride out of the way.

The talent is there. The coaches love him. He seems to have a good head on his shoulders. I think the article is correct in that he does have the potential to flourish in year 2. As for FF, to what extent? Tough to say. I'd still rank him well below Wimberly.

 

[chook]

FWIW, Tully Benta-Cain (NE) is rumored to be signed (not yet) in SF to start as the other OLB oppo Manny Watson.

Did you mean Manny Lawson? Banta-Cain was, from one article out of Boston, benched during the playoff loss to the Colts. He was at least pulled in some packages, but to me that was a red flag. I also remember hearing that Lawson had a lot of trouble transitioning to OLB, getting caught out of position ofetn, and sometimes "appearing lost out there." Do we even know yet if SF will run a 3-4? Lawson has the speed, the measuables to be a beast.... but that doesn't always translate as we know. He may be better suited as a 4-3 DE....

Yes, Nolan said the day after the season ended that the team will run a 3-4.The new DL coach and new DC are both 3-4 guys.

As for Lawson, he's an incredible athlete who had to learn to play with his hand up this year. He was surprisingly solid when asked to drop in coverage. He is excellent in pursuit, but will try to go around the lead blocker rather than take him on. I expect that to change once he fills out his lanky frame.

He was dissapointing as a pass rusher this year. Basically a one trick pony that tried to speed rush every single play. OTs just rode him ride out of the way.

The talent is there. The coaches love him. He seems to have a good head on his shoulders. I think the article is correct in that he does have the potential to flourish in year 2. As for FF, to what extent? Tough to say. I'd still rank him well below Wimberly.

Yeah, I'd imagine Wimbley and the Cleveland D will be on the field longer than Lawson & the Niners' D next season, giving Kamerion more opportunity to excell, regardless of talent anyhow.

I think they'll both be very good NFL players for a while.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

FWIW, Tully Benta-Cain (NE) is rumored to be signed (not yet) in SF to start as the other OLB oppo Manny Watson.

Did you mean Manny Lawson? Banta-Cain was, from one article out of Boston, benched during the playoff loss to the Colts. He was at least pulled in some packages, but to me that was a red flag. I also remember hearing that Lawson had a lot of trouble transitioning to OLB, getting caught out of position ofetn, and sometimes "appearing lost out there." Do we even know yet if SF will run a 3-4? Lawson has the speed, the measuables to be a beast.... but that doesn't always translate as we know. He may be better suited as a 4-3 DE....

Yes Lawson, sorry.