2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Deontae Lawson (LB – Alabama)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson.

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Deontae Lawson

Deontae Lawson (LB – Alabama)

6-foot-2 | 228 Pounds

Background

Deontae Lawson was a four-star recruit who redshirted in 2021, then rotated heavily into the defense the following year (51 tackles on 439 snaps; four starts) before becoming a full-time starter in 2023. Finished his career with lines of 67-5.5-3.0 in 2023, 76-6.5-2.0 in 2024 and 89-4.5-1.5 this past season.

Positives

Lawson has four increasingly productive seasons under his belt for one of college football’s premier programs. Tall Mike linebacker with long limbs. Plays the game with a physical on-field temperament, which can help set the tone defensively. Reads keys well and does a good job of avoiding false steps. Does a good job of using his length to play off of blocks in the run game. Is generally effective at preventing blockers from getting into his pads; not the type of linebacker who only works around opponents, showing a good willingness to deliver hits to would-be blockers.

The Alabama linebacker has some suddenness to slip past the occasional blocker. Solid athlete with good flexibility and impressive sideline-to-sideline range. Flows well to pursue ball-carriers laterally without overrunning gaps and opening up cutback lanes. Does a good job of keeping his shoulders square while flowing. Length gives him a solid tackling radius. Movement skills allow him to make some deeper drops into zone coverage. Was asked to carry some opponents down the seams. God hand use and fluid hips. Tools-wise, Lawson would seem to be a good fit for man coverage on tight ends. Comes downhill quickly as a rusher and has had a bit of success there, sifting through trash to try and find open lanes.

Negatives

A bit older than usual after spending five years in school, Lawson will be a 23-year-old rookie. Frame is on the lanky side and will likely be asked to gain some weight at the next level, but doesn’t appear to have the widest frame.

Can struggle to hold the point of attack when taking on blockers, and can be put on skates at times. More physically talented than he is powerful as a hitter. Reliability as a tackler slipped a bit this past year. Athletic and physical enough to blitz the quarterback a little, but doesn’t use his hands very well on those snaps. More effort-based and would likely need to be schemed open lanes.

Summary

A tall, lanky linebacker with extensive starting experience who comes through on tape. Lawon shows good recognition skills, solid range and the length/flexibility to play off of blocks in the run game.

While Lawson might not be the most functionally strongest linebacker, he’s a pretty well-rounded option who looks more pro-ready than usual for prospects at the position. Consequently, should get some second-day looks as a relatively safe bet to play either inside in an even or odd front, or possibly on the weakside of an even front.

Projection: Round 3