The Houston Texans were headed for a revamp of their defensive line regardless of whether or not they released J.J. Watt.
With new defensive coordinator Lovie Smith intent on deploying a Tampa-2 scheme with four down linemen, the Texans were going to have to find edge defenders willing to put their hand in the artificial turf at NRG Stadium.
One soon-to-be free agent the Texans ought to consider to play defensive end in their new 4-3 is the Cincinnati Bengals’ Carl Lawson.
According to Doug Farrar from the Touchdown Wire, Lawson ranks as the 10th-most underrated defensive free agent.
The Bengals’ defense has been a schematic disaster under defensive coordinator Lou Anaromo over the last two seasons, especially when it comes to coverage, but Lawson hasn’t let that affect his pass-rush abilities. Last season, in 16 games and 11 starts, Lawson put up 3.5 sacks, 24 quarterback hits, 34 quarterback hurries, 20 stops, and two forced fumbles.
Lawson has played in nothing but the 4-3 scheme under Marvin Lewis and later Anaromo when Zac Taylor took over as coach in 2019. The former 2017 fourth-round pick has four seasons under his belt and is on a trend of improvement. Lawson is entering a phase where is body is still young enough and he has enough experience to blend the two and provide a credible threat as an edge defender.
“He’s a strong player,” Texans offensive coordinator Tim Kelly said of Lawson on Dec. 24, 2020, before their Week 16 encounter with Cincinnati. “He plays with an incredible motor. That to me is, again, the one thing that stands out is they play hard. Lawson is strong. He’s got really strong hands. Low center of gravity. Plays with good pad level. If you’re not right with your technique and if you’re not able to handle his pass rush moves, it could be a long day.”
The Texans will have to rely on veterans to help give their new defensive line a shot, and Lawson would be a nice transition piece.